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Gonzalez-Lorenzo M, Ridley B, Minozzi S, Del Giovane C, Peryer G, Piggott T, Foschi M, Filippini G, Tramacere I, Baldin E, Nonino F. Immunomodulators and immunosuppressants for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: a network meta-analysis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2024; 1:CD011381. [PMID: 38174776 PMCID: PMC10765473 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd011381.pub3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Different therapeutic strategies are available for the treatment of people with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), including immunomodulators, immunosuppressants and biological agents. Although each one of these therapies reduces relapse frequency and slows disability accumulation compared to no treatment, their relative benefit remains unclear. This is an update of a Cochrane review published in 2015. OBJECTIVES To compare the efficacy and safety, through network meta-analysis, of interferon beta-1b, interferon beta-1a, glatiramer acetate, natalizumab, mitoxantrone, fingolimod, teriflunomide, dimethyl fumarate, alemtuzumab, pegylated interferon beta-1a, daclizumab, laquinimod, azathioprine, immunoglobulins, cladribine, cyclophosphamide, diroximel fumarate, fludarabine, interferon beta 1-a and beta 1-b, leflunomide, methotrexate, minocycline, mycophenolate mofetil, ofatumumab, ozanimod, ponesimod, rituximab, siponimod and steroids for the treatment of people with RRMS. SEARCH METHODS CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, and two trials registers were searched on 21 September 2021 together with reference checking, citation searching and contact with study authors to identify additional studies. A top-up search was conducted on 8 August 2022. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that studied one or more of the available immunomodulators and immunosuppressants as monotherapy in comparison to placebo or to another active agent, in adults with RRMS. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two authors independently selected studies and extracted data. We considered both direct and indirect evidence and performed data synthesis by pairwise and network meta-analysis. Certainty of the evidence was assessed by the GRADE approach. MAIN RESULTS We included 50 studies involving 36,541 participants (68.6% female and 31.4% male). Median treatment duration was 24 months, and 25 (50%) studies were placebo-controlled. Considering the risk of bias, the most frequent concern was related to the role of the sponsor in the authorship of the study report or in data management and analysis, for which we judged 68% of the studies were at high risk of other bias. The other frequent concerns were performance bias (34% judged as having high risk) and attrition bias (32% judged as having high risk). Placebo was used as the common comparator for network analysis. Relapses over 12 months: data were provided in 18 studies (9310 participants). Natalizumab results in a large reduction of people with relapses at 12 months (RR 0.52, 95% CI 0.43 to 0.63; high-certainty evidence). Fingolimod (RR 0.48, 95% CI 0.39 to 0.57; moderate-certainty evidence), daclizumab (RR 0.55, 95% CI 0.42 to 0.73; moderate-certainty evidence), and immunoglobulins (RR 0.60, 95% CI 0.47 to 0.79; moderate-certainty evidence) probably result in a large reduction of people with relapses at 12 months. Relapses over 24 months: data were reported in 28 studies (19,869 participants). Cladribine (RR 0.53, 95% CI 0.44 to 0.64; high-certainty evidence), alemtuzumab (RR 0.57, 95% CI 0.47 to 0.68; high-certainty evidence) and natalizumab (RR 0.56, 95% CI 0.48 to 0.65; high-certainty evidence) result in a large decrease of people with relapses at 24 months. Fingolimod (RR 0.54, 95% CI 0.48 to 0.60; moderate-certainty evidence), dimethyl fumarate (RR 0.62, 95% CI 0.55 to 0.70; moderate-certainty evidence), and ponesimod (RR 0.58, 95% CI 0.48 to 0.70; moderate-certainty evidence) probably result in a large decrease of people with relapses at 24 months. Glatiramer acetate (RR 0.84, 95%, CI 0.76 to 0.93; moderate-certainty evidence) and interferon beta-1a (Avonex, Rebif) (RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.78 to 0.91; moderate-certainty evidence) probably moderately decrease people with relapses at 24 months. Relapses over 36 months findings were available from five studies (3087 participants). None of the treatments assessed showed moderate- or high-certainty evidence compared to placebo. Disability worsening over 24 months was assessed in 31 studies (24,303 participants). Natalizumab probably results in a large reduction of disability worsening (RR 0.59, 95% CI 0.46 to 0.75; moderate-certainty evidence) at 24 months. Disability worsening over 36 months was assessed in three studies (2684 participants) but none of the studies used placebo as the comparator. Treatment discontinuation due to adverse events data were available from 43 studies (35,410 participants). Alemtuzumab probably results in a slight reduction of treatment discontinuation due to adverse events (OR 0.39, 95% CI 0.19 to 0.79; moderate-certainty evidence). Daclizumab (OR 2.55, 95% CI 1.40 to 4.63; moderate-certainty evidence), fingolimod (OR 1.84, 95% CI 1.31 to 2.57; moderate-certainty evidence), teriflunomide (OR 1.82, 95% CI 1.19 to 2.79; moderate-certainty evidence), interferon beta-1a (OR 1.48, 95% CI 0.99 to 2.20; moderate-certainty evidence), laquinimod (OR 1.49, 95 % CI 1.00 to 2.15; moderate-certainty evidence), natalizumab (OR 1.57, 95% CI 0.81 to 3.05), and glatiramer acetate (OR 1.48, 95% CI 1.01 to 2.14; moderate-certainty evidence) probably result in a slight increase in the number of people who discontinue treatment due to adverse events. Serious adverse events (SAEs) were reported in 35 studies (33,998 participants). There was probably a trivial reduction in SAEs amongst people with RRMS treated with interferon beta-1b as compared to placebo (OR 0.92, 95% CI 0.55 to 1.54; moderate-certainty evidence). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS We are highly confident that, compared to placebo, two-year treatment with natalizumab, cladribine, or alemtuzumab decreases relapses more than with other DMTs. We are moderately confident that a two-year treatment with natalizumab may slow disability progression. Compared to those on placebo, people with RRMS treated with most of the assessed DMTs showed a higher frequency of treatment discontinuation due to AEs: we are moderately confident that this could happen with fingolimod, teriflunomide, interferon beta-1a, laquinimod, natalizumab and daclizumab, while our certainty with other DMTs is lower. We are also moderately certain that treatment with alemtuzumab is associated with fewer discontinuations due to adverse events than placebo, and moderately certain that interferon beta-1b probably results in a slight reduction in people who experience serious adverse events, but our certainty with regard to other DMTs is lower. Insufficient evidence is available to evaluate the efficacy and safety of DMTs in a longer term than two years, and this is a relevant issue for a chronic condition like MS that develops over decades. More than half of the included studies were sponsored by pharmaceutical companies and this may have influenced their results. Further studies should focus on direct comparison between active agents, with follow-up of at least three years, and assess other patient-relevant outcomes, such as quality of life and cognitive status, with particular focus on the impact of sex/gender on treatment effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marien Gonzalez-Lorenzo
- Laboratorio di Metodologia delle revisioni sistematiche e produzione di Linee Guida, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Ben Ridley
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Silvia Minozzi
- Department of Epidemiology, Lazio Regional Health Service, Rome, Italy
| | - Cinzia Del Giovane
- Institute of Primary Health Care (BIHAM), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Cochrane Italy, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children and Adults, University-Hospital of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Guy Peryer
- School of Health Sciences, University of East Anglia (UEA), Norwich, UK
| | - Thomas Piggott
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Family Medicine, Queens University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Matteo Foschi
- Department of Neuroscience, Multiple Sclerosis Center - Neurology Unit, S.Maria delle Croci Hospital, AUSL Romagna, Ravenna, Italy
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Graziella Filippini
- Scientific Director's Office, Carlo Besta Foundation and Neurological Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Irene Tramacere
- Department of Research and Clinical Development, Scientific Directorate, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Elisa Baldin
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesco Nonino
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Tramacere I, Virgili G, Perduca V, Lucenteforte E, Benedetti MD, Capobussi M, Castellini G, Frau S, Gonzalez-Lorenzo M, Featherstone R, Filippini G. Adverse effects of immunotherapies for multiple sclerosis: a network meta-analysis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2023; 11:CD012186. [PMID: 38032059 PMCID: PMC10687854 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd012186.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease of the central nervous system that affects mainly young adults (two to three times more frequently in women than in men) and causes significant disability after onset. Although it is accepted that immunotherapies for people with MS decrease disease activity, uncertainty regarding their relative safety remains. OBJECTIVES To compare adverse effects of immunotherapies for people with MS or clinically isolated syndrome (CIS), and to rank these treatments according to their relative risks of adverse effects through network meta-analyses (NMAs). SEARCH METHODS We searched CENTRAL, PubMed, Embase, two other databases and trials registers up to March 2022, together with reference checking and citation searching to identify additional studies. SELECTION CRITERIA We included participants 18 years of age or older with a diagnosis of MS or CIS, according to any accepted diagnostic criteria, who were included in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that examined one or more of the agents used in MS or CIS, and compared them versus placebo or another active agent. We excluded RCTs in which a drug regimen was compared with a different regimen of the same drug without another active agent or placebo as a control arm. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We used standard Cochrane methods for data extraction and pairwise meta-analyses. For NMAs, we used the netmeta suite of commands in R to fit random-effects NMAs assuming a common between-study variance. We used the CINeMA platform to GRADE the certainty of the body of evidence in NMAs. We considered a relative risk (RR) of 1.5 as a non-inferiority safety threshold compared to placebo. We assessed the certainty of evidence for primary outcomes within the NMA according to GRADE, as very low, low, moderate or high. MAIN RESULTS This NMA included 123 trials with 57,682 participants. Serious adverse events (SAEs) Reporting of SAEs was available from 84 studies including 5696 (11%) events in 51,833 (89.9%) participants out of 57,682 participants in all studies. Based on the absolute frequency of SAEs, our non-inferiority threshold (up to a 50% increased risk) meant that no more than 1 in 18 additional people would have a SAE compared to placebo. Low-certainty evidence suggested that three drugs may decrease SAEs compared to placebo (relative risk [RR], 95% confidence interval [CI]): interferon beta-1a (Avonex) (0.78, 0.66 to 0.94); dimethyl fumarate (0.79, 0.67 to 0.93), and glatiramer acetate (0.84, 0.72 to 0.98). Several drugs met our non-inferiority criterion versus placebo: moderate-certainty evidence for teriflunomide (1.08, 0.88 to 1.31); low-certainty evidence for ocrelizumab (0.85, 0.67 to 1.07), ozanimod (0.88, 0.59 to 1.33), interferon beta-1b (0.94, 0.78 to 1.12), interferon beta-1a (Rebif) (0.96, 0.80 to 1.15), natalizumab (0.97, 0.79 to 1.19), fingolimod (1.05, 0.92 to 1.20) and laquinimod (1.06, 0.83 to 1.34); very low-certainty evidence for daclizumab (0.83, 0.68 to 1.02). Non-inferiority with placebo was not met due to imprecision for the other drugs: low-certainty evidence for cladribine (1.10, 0.79 to 1.52), siponimod (1.20, 0.95 to 1.51), ofatumumab (1.26, 0.88 to 1.79) and rituximab (1.01, 0.67 to 1.52); very low-certainty evidence for immunoglobulins (1.05, 0.33 to 3.32), diroximel fumarate (1.05, 0.23 to 4.69), peg-interferon beta-1a (1.07, 0.66 to 1.74), alemtuzumab (1.16, 0.85 to 1.60), interferons (1.62, 0.21 to 12.72) and azathioprine (3.62, 0.76 to 17.19). Withdrawals due to adverse events Reporting of withdrawals due to AEs was available from 105 studies (85.4%) including 3537 (6.39%) events in 55,320 (95.9%) patients out of 57,682 patients in all studies. Based on the absolute frequency of withdrawals, our non-inferiority threshold (up to a 50% increased risk) meant that no more than 1 in 31 additional people would withdraw compared to placebo. No drug reduced withdrawals due to adverse events when compared with placebo. There was very low-certainty evidence (meaning that estimates are not reliable) that two drugs met our non-inferiority criterion versus placebo, assuming an upper 95% CI RR limit of 1.5: diroximel fumarate (0.38, 0.11 to 1.27) and alemtuzumab (0.63, 0.33 to 1.19). Non-inferiority with placebo was not met due to imprecision for the following drugs: low-certainty evidence for ofatumumab (1.50, 0.87 to 2.59); very low-certainty evidence for methotrexate (0.94, 0.02 to 46.70), corticosteroids (1.05, 0.16 to 7.14), ozanimod (1.06, 0.58 to 1.93), natalizumab (1.20, 0.77 to 1.85), ocrelizumab (1.32, 0.81 to 2.14), dimethyl fumarate (1.34, 0.96 to 1.86), siponimod (1.63, 0.96 to 2.79), rituximab (1.63, 0.53 to 5.00), cladribine (1.80, 0.89 to 3.62), mitoxantrone (2.11, 0.50 to 8.87), interferons (3.47, 0.95 to 12.72), and cyclophosphamide (3.86, 0.45 to 33.50). Eleven drugs may have increased withdrawals due to adverse events compared with placebo: low-certainty evidence for teriflunomide (1.37, 1.01 to 1.85), glatiramer acetate (1.76, 1.36 to 2.26), fingolimod (1.79, 1.40 to 2.28), interferon beta-1a (Rebif) (2.15, 1.58 to 2.93), daclizumab (2.19, 1.31 to 3.65) and interferon beta-1b (2.59, 1.87 to 3.77); very low-certainty evidence for laquinimod (1.42, 1.01 to 2.00), interferon beta-1a (Avonex) (1.54, 1.13 to 2.10), immunoglobulins (1.87, 1.01 to 3.45), peg-interferon beta-1a (3.46, 1.44 to 8.33) and azathioprine (6.95, 2.57 to 18.78); however, very low-certainty evidence is unreliable. Sensitivity analyses including only studies with low attrition bias, drug dose above the group median, or only patients with relapsing remitting MS or CIS, and subgroup analyses by prior disease-modifying treatments did not change these figures. Rankings No drug yielded consistent P scores in the upper quartile of the probability of being better than others for primary and secondary outcomes. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS We found mostly low and very low-certainty evidence that drugs used to treat MS may not increase SAEs, but may increase withdrawals compared with placebo. The results suggest that there is no important difference in the occurrence of SAEs between first- and second-line drugs and between oral, injectable, or infused drugs, compared with placebo. Our review, along with other work in the literature, confirms poor-quality reporting of adverse events from RCTs of interventions. At the least, future studies should follow the CONSORT recommendations about reporting harm-related issues. To address adverse effects, future systematic reviews should also include non-randomized studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Tramacere
- Department of Research and Clinical Development, Scientific Directorate, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Gianni Virgili
- Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Ophthalmology, IRCCS - Fondazione Bietti, Rome, Italy
| | - Vittorio Perduca
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, MAP5, F-75006 Paris, France
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, Inserm, Gustave Roussy, CESP, 94805, Villejuif, France
| | - Ersilia Lucenteforte
- Department of Statistics, Computer Science and Applications "G. Parenti", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Maria Donata Benedetti
- UOC Neurologia B - Policlinico Borgo Roma, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata, Verona, Italy
| | - Matteo Capobussi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Greta Castellini
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Unit of Clinical Epidemiology, IRCCS Galeazzi Orthopaedic Institute, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Marien Gonzalez-Lorenzo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology, Laboratory of Clinical Research Methodology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Graziella Filippini
- Scientific Director's Office, Carlo Besta Foundation and Neurological Institute, Milan, Italy
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Lombardi G, Chipi E, Arenella D, Fiorani A, Frisoni GB, Linarello S, Montanucci C, Muscio C, Pacifico I, Pelizzari S, Perani D, Piras F, Rozzini L, Sorbi S, Spalletta G, Tagliavini F, Tiraboschi P, Parnetti L, Filippini G. Educational interventions to improve detection and management of cognitive decline in primary care-An Italian multicenter pragmatic study. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:1050583. [PMID: 36506451 PMCID: PMC9731677 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1050583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Timely detection of cognitive decline in primary care is essential to promote an appropriate care pathway and enhance the benefits of interventions. We present the results of a study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an educational intervention addressed to Italian family physicians (FPs) to improve timely detection and management of cognitive decline. Materials and methods We conducted a pre-post study in six Italian health authorities (HAs) involving 254 FPs and 3,736 patients. We measured process and outcome indicators before the intervention (1 January 2014 to 31 December 2016) and after the intervention (1 January 2018 to 31 December 2019). One interactive face-to-face session workshop was delivered by local cognitive disorders and dementia specialists and FP advisors at each HA, in the period September 2017-December 2017. The session focused on key messages of the local Diagnostic and Therapeutic Care Pathway (DTCP) or regional guidelines: (a) the role of the FP for a timely suspicion of cognitive decline is fundamental; (b) when cognitive decline is suspected, the role of the FP is active in the diagnostic work-up; (c) FP's knowledge on pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions is essential to improve the management of patients with cognitive decline. Results An overall improvement in diagnostic procedures and management of patients with cognitive decline by FPs after the intervention was observed. The number of visits per year performed by FPs increased, and the time interval between the first FP consultation and the diagnosis was optimized. Neuroleptic use significantly decreased, whereas the use of benzodiazepines remained steadily high. Non-pharmacological interventions, or use of support services, were underrepresented even in the post-intervention. Differences among the participating HAs were identified and discussed. Discussion Results from this study suggest the success of the educational intervention addressed to FPs in improving early detection and management of cognitive decline, highlighting the importance to continue medical education in this field. At the same time, further initiatives of care pathway dissemination and implementation should promote strategies to enhance interactions between primary and secondary care optimizing the collaboration between FPs and specialists.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elena Chipi
- Centre for Memory Disturbances, Section of Neurology, Lab of Clinical Neurochemistry, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | | | - Ambra Fiorani
- Laboratory of Neurology, IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giovanni Battista Frisoni
- Laboratory of Epidemiology and Neuroimaging, IRCCS San Giovanni di Dio - Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
- Memory Clinic, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Chiara Montanucci
- Centre for Memory Disturbances, Section of Neurology, Lab of Clinical Neurochemistry, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Cristina Muscio
- ASST Bergamo Ovest - Azienda Socio Sanitaria Territoriale di Bergamo Ovest, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Irene Pacifico
- Laboratory of Neuropsychiatry, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Pelizzari
- Centro per i Disturbi Cognitivi e le Demenze, Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Daniela Perani
- Division of Neuroscience, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Piras
- Laboratory of Neuropsychiatry, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Rozzini
- Centro per i Disturbi Cognitivi e le Demenze, Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Sandro Sorbi
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, Florence, Italy
- Section of Psychology - Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child’s Health (NEUROFARBA), University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Spalletta
- Laboratory of Neuropsychiatry, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
- Division of Neuropsychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | | | | | - Lucilla Parnetti
- Centre for Memory Disturbances, Section of Neurology, Lab of Clinical Neurochemistry, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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Ridley B, Minozzi S, Gonzalez-Lorenzo M, Del Giovane C, Filippini G, Peryer G, Foschi M, Nonino F, Tramacere I, Baldin E. Immunomodulators and immunosuppressants for progressive multiple sclerosis: a network meta‐analysis. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2022; 2022:CD015443. [PMCID: PMC9632686 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd015443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
This is a protocol for a Cochrane Review (intervention). The objectives are as follows: We will perform a network meta‐analysis to assess the relative effectiveness and safety of immunomodulatory and immunosuppressive treatments for people with multiple sclerosis in progressive forms of the condition.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ben Ridley
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di BolognaBolognaItaly
| | - Silvia Minozzi
- Department of EpidemiologyLazio Regional Health ServiceRomeItaly
| | | | - Cinzia Del Giovane
- Institute of Primary Health Care (BIHAM)BernSwitzerland,Department of Medical and Surgical SciencesUniversity of Modena and Reggio EmiliaModenaItaly
| | - Graziella Filippini
- Scientific Director’s OfficeFondazione IRCCS, Istituto Neurologico Carlo BestaMilanItaly
| | - Guy Peryer
- School of Health SciencesUniversity of East Anglia (UEA)NorwichUK
| | - Matteo Foschi
- Department of Neuroscience, AUSL RomagnaSanta Maria delle Croci HospitalRavennaItaly
| | - Francesco Nonino
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di BolognaBolognaItaly
| | - Irene Tramacere
- Department of Research and Clinical Development, Scientific DirectorateFondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo BestaMilanItaly
| | - Elisa Baldin
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di BolognaBolognaItaly
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Tondo G, Boccalini C, Vanoli EG, Presotto L, Muscio C, Ciullo V, Banaj N, Piras F, Filippini G, Tiraboschi P, Tagliavini F, Frisoni GB, Cappa SF, Spalletta G, Perani D. Brain Metabolism and Amyloid Load in Individuals With Subjective Cognitive Decline or Pre-Mild Cognitive Impairment. Neurology 2022; 99:e258-e269. [PMID: 35487700 PMCID: PMC9302934 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000200351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE This was a multicenter study aimed at investigating the characteristics of cognitive decline, neuropsychiatric symptoms, and brain imaging in individuals with subjective cognitive decline (SCD) and subtle cognitive decline (pre-mild cognitive impairment [pre-MCI]). METHODS Data were obtained from the Network-AD project (NET-2011-02346784). The included participants underwent baseline cognitive and neurobehavioral evaluation, FDG-PET, and amyloid PET. We used principal component analysis (PCA) to identify independent neuropsychological and neuropsychiatric dimensions and their association with brain metabolism. RESULTS A total of 105 participants (SCD = 49, pre-MCI = 56) were included. FDG-PET was normal in 45% of participants and revealed brain hypometabolism in 55%, with a frontal-like pattern as the most frequent finding (28%). Neuropsychiatric symptoms emerging from the Neuropsychiatric Inventory and the Starkstein Apathy Scale were highly prevalent in the whole sample (78%). An abnormal amyloid load was detected in the 18% of the participants who underwent amyloid PET (n = 60). PCA resulted in 3 neuropsychological factors: (1) executive/visuomotor, correlating with hypometabolism in frontal and occipital cortices and basal ganglia; (2) memory, correlating with hypometabolism in temporoparietal regions; and (3) visuospatial/constructional, correlating with hypometabolism in frontoparietal cortices. Two factors emerged from the neuropsychiatric PCA: (1) affective, correlating with hypometabolism in orbitofrontal and cingulate cortex and insula; (2) hyperactive/psychotic, correlating with hypometabolism in frontal, temporal, and parietal regions. DISCUSSION FDG-PET evidence suggests either normal brain function or different patterns of brain hypometabolism in SCD and pre-MCI. These results indicate that SCD and pre-MCI represent heterogeneous populations. Different neuropsychological and neuropsychiatric profiles emerged, which correlated with neuronal dysfunction in specific brain regions. Long-term follow-up studies are needed to assess the risk of progression to dementia in these conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomo Tondo
- From Vita-Salute San Raffaele University (G.T., C.B., D.P.); In Vivo Human Molecular and Structural Neuroimaging Unit, Division of Neuroscience (G.T., C.B., L.P., D.P.), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute; Nuclear Medicine Unit (E.G.V., L.P., D.P.), San Raffaele Hospital; Unit of Neurology and Neuropathology (P.T.), Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta (C.M., G.F., F.T.), Milan; Laboratory of Neuropsychiatry (V.C., N.B., F.P., G.S.), IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome; IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli (G.B.F.), Brescia, Italy; Memory Clinic and LANVIE-Laboratory of Neuroimaging of Aging (G.B.F.), University Hospitals and University of Geneva, Switzerland; ICoN (S.F.C.), Scuola Universitaria Superiore IUSS Pavia; and IRCCS Mondino Foundation (S.F.C.), Pavia, Italy
| | - Cecilia Boccalini
- From Vita-Salute San Raffaele University (G.T., C.B., D.P.); In Vivo Human Molecular and Structural Neuroimaging Unit, Division of Neuroscience (G.T., C.B., L.P., D.P.), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute; Nuclear Medicine Unit (E.G.V., L.P., D.P.), San Raffaele Hospital; Unit of Neurology and Neuropathology (P.T.), Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta (C.M., G.F., F.T.), Milan; Laboratory of Neuropsychiatry (V.C., N.B., F.P., G.S.), IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome; IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli (G.B.F.), Brescia, Italy; Memory Clinic and LANVIE-Laboratory of Neuroimaging of Aging (G.B.F.), University Hospitals and University of Geneva, Switzerland; ICoN (S.F.C.), Scuola Universitaria Superiore IUSS Pavia; and IRCCS Mondino Foundation (S.F.C.), Pavia, Italy
| | - Emilia Giovanna Vanoli
- From Vita-Salute San Raffaele University (G.T., C.B., D.P.); In Vivo Human Molecular and Structural Neuroimaging Unit, Division of Neuroscience (G.T., C.B., L.P., D.P.), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute; Nuclear Medicine Unit (E.G.V., L.P., D.P.), San Raffaele Hospital; Unit of Neurology and Neuropathology (P.T.), Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta (C.M., G.F., F.T.), Milan; Laboratory of Neuropsychiatry (V.C., N.B., F.P., G.S.), IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome; IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli (G.B.F.), Brescia, Italy; Memory Clinic and LANVIE-Laboratory of Neuroimaging of Aging (G.B.F.), University Hospitals and University of Geneva, Switzerland; ICoN (S.F.C.), Scuola Universitaria Superiore IUSS Pavia; and IRCCS Mondino Foundation (S.F.C.), Pavia, Italy
| | - Luca Presotto
- From Vita-Salute San Raffaele University (G.T., C.B., D.P.); In Vivo Human Molecular and Structural Neuroimaging Unit, Division of Neuroscience (G.T., C.B., L.P., D.P.), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute; Nuclear Medicine Unit (E.G.V., L.P., D.P.), San Raffaele Hospital; Unit of Neurology and Neuropathology (P.T.), Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta (C.M., G.F., F.T.), Milan; Laboratory of Neuropsychiatry (V.C., N.B., F.P., G.S.), IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome; IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli (G.B.F.), Brescia, Italy; Memory Clinic and LANVIE-Laboratory of Neuroimaging of Aging (G.B.F.), University Hospitals and University of Geneva, Switzerland; ICoN (S.F.C.), Scuola Universitaria Superiore IUSS Pavia; and IRCCS Mondino Foundation (S.F.C.), Pavia, Italy
| | - Cristina Muscio
- From Vita-Salute San Raffaele University (G.T., C.B., D.P.); In Vivo Human Molecular and Structural Neuroimaging Unit, Division of Neuroscience (G.T., C.B., L.P., D.P.), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute; Nuclear Medicine Unit (E.G.V., L.P., D.P.), San Raffaele Hospital; Unit of Neurology and Neuropathology (P.T.), Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta (C.M., G.F., F.T.), Milan; Laboratory of Neuropsychiatry (V.C., N.B., F.P., G.S.), IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome; IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli (G.B.F.), Brescia, Italy; Memory Clinic and LANVIE-Laboratory of Neuroimaging of Aging (G.B.F.), University Hospitals and University of Geneva, Switzerland; ICoN (S.F.C.), Scuola Universitaria Superiore IUSS Pavia; and IRCCS Mondino Foundation (S.F.C.), Pavia, Italy
| | - Valentina Ciullo
- From Vita-Salute San Raffaele University (G.T., C.B., D.P.); In Vivo Human Molecular and Structural Neuroimaging Unit, Division of Neuroscience (G.T., C.B., L.P., D.P.), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute; Nuclear Medicine Unit (E.G.V., L.P., D.P.), San Raffaele Hospital; Unit of Neurology and Neuropathology (P.T.), Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta (C.M., G.F., F.T.), Milan; Laboratory of Neuropsychiatry (V.C., N.B., F.P., G.S.), IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome; IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli (G.B.F.), Brescia, Italy; Memory Clinic and LANVIE-Laboratory of Neuroimaging of Aging (G.B.F.), University Hospitals and University of Geneva, Switzerland; ICoN (S.F.C.), Scuola Universitaria Superiore IUSS Pavia; and IRCCS Mondino Foundation (S.F.C.), Pavia, Italy
| | - Nerisa Banaj
- From Vita-Salute San Raffaele University (G.T., C.B., D.P.); In Vivo Human Molecular and Structural Neuroimaging Unit, Division of Neuroscience (G.T., C.B., L.P., D.P.), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute; Nuclear Medicine Unit (E.G.V., L.P., D.P.), San Raffaele Hospital; Unit of Neurology and Neuropathology (P.T.), Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta (C.M., G.F., F.T.), Milan; Laboratory of Neuropsychiatry (V.C., N.B., F.P., G.S.), IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome; IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli (G.B.F.), Brescia, Italy; Memory Clinic and LANVIE-Laboratory of Neuroimaging of Aging (G.B.F.), University Hospitals and University of Geneva, Switzerland; ICoN (S.F.C.), Scuola Universitaria Superiore IUSS Pavia; and IRCCS Mondino Foundation (S.F.C.), Pavia, Italy
| | - Federica Piras
- From Vita-Salute San Raffaele University (G.T., C.B., D.P.); In Vivo Human Molecular and Structural Neuroimaging Unit, Division of Neuroscience (G.T., C.B., L.P., D.P.), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute; Nuclear Medicine Unit (E.G.V., L.P., D.P.), San Raffaele Hospital; Unit of Neurology and Neuropathology (P.T.), Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta (C.M., G.F., F.T.), Milan; Laboratory of Neuropsychiatry (V.C., N.B., F.P., G.S.), IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome; IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli (G.B.F.), Brescia, Italy; Memory Clinic and LANVIE-Laboratory of Neuroimaging of Aging (G.B.F.), University Hospitals and University of Geneva, Switzerland; ICoN (S.F.C.), Scuola Universitaria Superiore IUSS Pavia; and IRCCS Mondino Foundation (S.F.C.), Pavia, Italy
| | - Graziella Filippini
- From Vita-Salute San Raffaele University (G.T., C.B., D.P.); In Vivo Human Molecular and Structural Neuroimaging Unit, Division of Neuroscience (G.T., C.B., L.P., D.P.), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute; Nuclear Medicine Unit (E.G.V., L.P., D.P.), San Raffaele Hospital; Unit of Neurology and Neuropathology (P.T.), Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta (C.M., G.F., F.T.), Milan; Laboratory of Neuropsychiatry (V.C., N.B., F.P., G.S.), IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome; IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli (G.B.F.), Brescia, Italy; Memory Clinic and LANVIE-Laboratory of Neuroimaging of Aging (G.B.F.), University Hospitals and University of Geneva, Switzerland; ICoN (S.F.C.), Scuola Universitaria Superiore IUSS Pavia; and IRCCS Mondino Foundation (S.F.C.), Pavia, Italy
| | - Pietro Tiraboschi
- From Vita-Salute San Raffaele University (G.T., C.B., D.P.); In Vivo Human Molecular and Structural Neuroimaging Unit, Division of Neuroscience (G.T., C.B., L.P., D.P.), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute; Nuclear Medicine Unit (E.G.V., L.P., D.P.), San Raffaele Hospital; Unit of Neurology and Neuropathology (P.T.), Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta (C.M., G.F., F.T.), Milan; Laboratory of Neuropsychiatry (V.C., N.B., F.P., G.S.), IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome; IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli (G.B.F.), Brescia, Italy; Memory Clinic and LANVIE-Laboratory of Neuroimaging of Aging (G.B.F.), University Hospitals and University of Geneva, Switzerland; ICoN (S.F.C.), Scuola Universitaria Superiore IUSS Pavia; and IRCCS Mondino Foundation (S.F.C.), Pavia, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Tagliavini
- From Vita-Salute San Raffaele University (G.T., C.B., D.P.); In Vivo Human Molecular and Structural Neuroimaging Unit, Division of Neuroscience (G.T., C.B., L.P., D.P.), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute; Nuclear Medicine Unit (E.G.V., L.P., D.P.), San Raffaele Hospital; Unit of Neurology and Neuropathology (P.T.), Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta (C.M., G.F., F.T.), Milan; Laboratory of Neuropsychiatry (V.C., N.B., F.P., G.S.), IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome; IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli (G.B.F.), Brescia, Italy; Memory Clinic and LANVIE-Laboratory of Neuroimaging of Aging (G.B.F.), University Hospitals and University of Geneva, Switzerland; ICoN (S.F.C.), Scuola Universitaria Superiore IUSS Pavia; and IRCCS Mondino Foundation (S.F.C.), Pavia, Italy
| | - Giovanni Battista Frisoni
- From Vita-Salute San Raffaele University (G.T., C.B., D.P.); In Vivo Human Molecular and Structural Neuroimaging Unit, Division of Neuroscience (G.T., C.B., L.P., D.P.), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute; Nuclear Medicine Unit (E.G.V., L.P., D.P.), San Raffaele Hospital; Unit of Neurology and Neuropathology (P.T.), Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta (C.M., G.F., F.T.), Milan; Laboratory of Neuropsychiatry (V.C., N.B., F.P., G.S.), IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome; IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli (G.B.F.), Brescia, Italy; Memory Clinic and LANVIE-Laboratory of Neuroimaging of Aging (G.B.F.), University Hospitals and University of Geneva, Switzerland; ICoN (S.F.C.), Scuola Universitaria Superiore IUSS Pavia; and IRCCS Mondino Foundation (S.F.C.), Pavia, Italy
| | - Stefano F Cappa
- From Vita-Salute San Raffaele University (G.T., C.B., D.P.); In Vivo Human Molecular and Structural Neuroimaging Unit, Division of Neuroscience (G.T., C.B., L.P., D.P.), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute; Nuclear Medicine Unit (E.G.V., L.P., D.P.), San Raffaele Hospital; Unit of Neurology and Neuropathology (P.T.), Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta (C.M., G.F., F.T.), Milan; Laboratory of Neuropsychiatry (V.C., N.B., F.P., G.S.), IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome; IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli (G.B.F.), Brescia, Italy; Memory Clinic and LANVIE-Laboratory of Neuroimaging of Aging (G.B.F.), University Hospitals and University of Geneva, Switzerland; ICoN (S.F.C.), Scuola Universitaria Superiore IUSS Pavia; and IRCCS Mondino Foundation (S.F.C.), Pavia, Italy
| | - Gianfranco Spalletta
- From Vita-Salute San Raffaele University (G.T., C.B., D.P.); In Vivo Human Molecular and Structural Neuroimaging Unit, Division of Neuroscience (G.T., C.B., L.P., D.P.), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute; Nuclear Medicine Unit (E.G.V., L.P., D.P.), San Raffaele Hospital; Unit of Neurology and Neuropathology (P.T.), Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta (C.M., G.F., F.T.), Milan; Laboratory of Neuropsychiatry (V.C., N.B., F.P., G.S.), IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome; IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli (G.B.F.), Brescia, Italy; Memory Clinic and LANVIE-Laboratory of Neuroimaging of Aging (G.B.F.), University Hospitals and University of Geneva, Switzerland; ICoN (S.F.C.), Scuola Universitaria Superiore IUSS Pavia; and IRCCS Mondino Foundation (S.F.C.), Pavia, Italy
| | - Daniela Perani
- From Vita-Salute San Raffaele University (G.T., C.B., D.P.); In Vivo Human Molecular and Structural Neuroimaging Unit, Division of Neuroscience (G.T., C.B., L.P., D.P.), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute; Nuclear Medicine Unit (E.G.V., L.P., D.P.), San Raffaele Hospital; Unit of Neurology and Neuropathology (P.T.), Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta (C.M., G.F., F.T.), Milan; Laboratory of Neuropsychiatry (V.C., N.B., F.P., G.S.), IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome; IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli (G.B.F.), Brescia, Italy; Memory Clinic and LANVIE-Laboratory of Neuroimaging of Aging (G.B.F.), University Hospitals and University of Geneva, Switzerland; ICoN (S.F.C.), Scuola Universitaria Superiore IUSS Pavia; and IRCCS Mondino Foundation (S.F.C.), Pavia, Italy.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Spasticity and chronic neuropathic pain are common and serious symptoms in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). These symptoms increase with disease progression and lead to worsening disability, impaired activities of daily living and quality of life. Anti-spasticity medications and analgesics are of limited benefit or poorly tolerated. Cannabinoids may reduce spasticity and pain in people with MS. Demand for symptomatic treatment with cannabinoids is high. A thorough understanding of the current body of evidence regarding benefits and harms of these drugs is required. OBJECTIVES To assess benefit and harms of cannabinoids, including synthetic, or herbal and plant-derived cannabinoids, for reducing symptoms for adults with MS. SEARCH METHODS We searched the following databases from inception to December 2021: MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL, the Cochrane Library), CINAHL (EBSCO host), LILACS, the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), the World Health Organisation International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, the US National Institutes of Health clinical trial register, the European Union Clinical Trials Register, the International Association for Cannabinoid Medicines databank. We hand searched citation lists of included studies and relevant reviews. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised parallel or cross-over trials (RCTs) evaluating any cannabinoid (including herbal Cannabis, Cannabis flowers, plant-based cannabinoids, or synthetic cannabinoids) irrespective of dose, route, frequency, or duration of use for adults with MS. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We followed standard Cochrane methodology. To assess bias in included studies, we used the Cochrane Risk of bias 2 tool for parallel RCTs and crossover trials. We rated the certainty of evidence using the GRADE approach for the following outcomes: reduction of 30% in the spasticity Numeric Rating Scale, pain relief of 50% or greater in the Numeric Rating Scale-Pain Intensity, much or very much improvement in the Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC), Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL), withdrawals due to adverse events (AEs) (tolerability), serious adverse events (SAEs), nervous system disorders, psychiatric disorders, physical dependence. MAIN RESULTS We included 25 RCTs with 3763 participants of whom 2290 received cannabinoids. Age ranged from 18 to 60 years, and between 50% and 88% participants across the studies were female. The included studies were 3 to 48 weeks long and compared nabiximols, an oromucosal spray with a plant derived equal (1:1) combination of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) (13 studies), synthetic cannabinoids mimicking THC (7 studies), an oral THC extract of Cannabis sativa (2 studies), inhaled herbal Cannabis (1 study) against placebo. One study compared dronabinol, THC extract of Cannabis sativa and placebo, one compared inhaled herbal Cannabis, dronabinol and placebo. We identified eight ongoing studies. Critical outcomes • Spasticity: nabiximols probably increases the number of people who report an important reduction of perceived severity of spasticity compared with placebo (odds ratio (OR) 2.51, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.56 to 4.04; 5 RCTs, 1143 participants; I2 = 67%; moderate-certainty evidence). The absolute effect was 216 more people (95% CI 99 more to 332 more) per 1000 reporting benefit with cannabinoids than with placebo. • Chronic neuropathic pain: we found only one small trial that measured the number of participants reporting substantial pain relief with a synthetic cannabinoid compared with placebo (OR 4.23, 95% CI 1.11 to 16.17; 1 study, 48 participants; very low-certainty evidence). We are uncertain whether cannabinoids reduce chronic neuropathic pain intensity. • Treatment discontinuation due to AEs: cannabinoids may increase slightly the number of participants who discontinue treatment compared with placebo (OR 2.41, 95% CI 1.51 to 3.84; 21 studies, 3110 participants; I² = 17%; low-certainty evidence); the absolute effect is 39 more people (95% CI 15 more to 76 more) per 1000 people. Important outcomes • PGIC: cannabinoids probably increase the number of people who report 'very much' or 'much' improvement in health status compared with placebo (OR 1.80, 95% CI 1.37 to 2.36; 8 studies, 1215 participants; I² = 0%; moderate-certainty evidence). The absolute effect is 113 more people (95% CI 57 more to 175 more) per 1000 people reporting improvement. • HRQoL: cannabinoids may have little to no effect on HRQoL (SMD -0.08, 95% CI -0.17 to 0.02; 8 studies, 1942 participants; I2 = 0%; low-certainty evidence); • SAEs: cannabinoids may result in little to no difference in the number of participants who have SAEs compared with placebo (OR 1.38, 95% CI 0.96 to 1.99; 20 studies, 3124 participants; I² = 0%; low-certainty evidence); • AEs of the nervous system: cannabinoids may increase nervous system disorders compared with placebo (OR 2.61, 95% CI 1.53 to 4.44; 7 studies, 1154 participants; I² = 63%; low-certainty evidence); • Psychiatric disorders: cannabinoids may increase psychiatric disorders compared with placebo (OR 1.94, 95% CI 1.31 to 2.88; 6 studies, 1122 participants; I² = 0%; low-certainty evidence); • Drug tolerance: the evidence is very uncertain about the effect of cannabinoids on drug tolerance (OR 3.07, 95% CI 0.12 to 75.95; 2 studies, 458 participants; very low-certainty evidence). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Compared with placebo, nabiximols probably reduces the severity of spasticity in the short-term in people with MS. We are uncertain about the effect on chronic neurological pain and health-related quality of life. Cannabinoids may increase slightly treatment discontinuation due to AEs, nervous system and psychiatric disorders compared with placebo. We are uncertain about the effect on drug tolerance. The overall certainty of evidence is limited by short-term duration of the included studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graziella Filippini
- Scientific Director's Office, Carlo Besta Foundation and Neurological Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Minozzi
- Department of Epidemiology, Lazio Regional Health Service, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Borrelli
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples 'Federico II', Naples, Italy
| | - Michela Cinquini
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Kerry Dwan
- Review Production and Quality Unit, Editorial & Methods Department, Cochrane Central Executive, London, UK
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7
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Celani MG, Nonino F, Mahan K, Orso M, Ridley B, Baldin E, Bignamini AA, D'Amico R, Cantisani TA, Colombo C, Khan F, Köpke S, Laurson-Doube J, Schvarz C, Young CA, Peryer G, Rosati P, Filippini G. Identifying unanswered questions and setting the agenda for future systematic research in Multiple Sclerosis. A worldwide, multi-stakeholder Priority Setting project. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2022; 60:103688. [PMID: 35245817 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2022.103688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Eliciting the research priorities of people affected by a condition, carers and health care professionals can increase research value and reduce research waste. The Cochrane Multiple Sclerosis and Rare Disease of CNS Group, in collaboration with the Cochrane Neurological Sciences Field, launched a priority setting exercise with the aim of prioritizing pressing questions to ensure that future systematic reviews are as useful as possible to the people who need them, in all countries, regardless of their economic status. METHOD Sixteen high priority questions on different aspects of MS were developed by members of a multi-stakeholder priority setting Steering Group (SG). In an anonymous online survey translated into 12 languages researchers, clinicians, people with MS (PwMS) and carers were asked to identify and rank, 5 out of 16 questions as high priority and to provide an explanation for their choice. An additional free-text priority research topic suggestion was allowed. RESULTS The survey was accessible through MS advocacy associations' social media and Cochrane web pages from October 20, 2020 to February 6, 2021. 1.190 responses (86.73% of all web contacts) were evaluable and included in the analysis. Responses came from 55 countries worldwide, 7 of which provided >75% of respondents and 95% of which were high and upper-middle income countries. 58.8% of respondents live in the EU, 23% in the Americas, 8.9% in the Western Pacific, 2.8% in the Eastern Mediterranean and 0.3% in South Eastern Asia. About 75% of the respondents were PwMS. The five research questions to be answered with the highest priority were: Question (Q)1 "Does MRI help predict disability worsening of PwMS?" (19.9%), Q5 "What are the benefits and harms of treating PwMS with one disease-modifying drug compared to another?" (19.3%), Q3 "Does multidisciplinary care by teams of different social and health professionals improve health outcomes and experiences for PwMS?" (11.9%), Q16 "Does psychological health affect disease progression in PwMS?" (9.2%) and Q10 "What are the benefits and harms of exercise for PwMS?" (7.2%). The multivariable logistic regression analysis indicated a significant influence of geographic area and income level on the ranking of Q1 and a marginal for Q16 as top a priority after accounting for the effect of all other predictors. Approximately 50% of the respondents indicated that they had an important additional suggestion to be considered. CONCLUSION This international collaborative initiative in the field of MS offers a worldwide perspective on the research questions perceived as pivotal by a geographically representative sample of multiple stakeholders in the field of MS. The results of the survey could guide the prioritization of research on pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions which could be meaningful and useful for PwMS and carers, avoiding the duplication of efforts and research waste. High quality systematic reviews elicited by priority setting exercises may offer the best available evidence and inform decisions by healthcare providers and policy-makers which can be adapted to the different realities around the world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Grazia Celani
- Cochrane Neurological Sciences Fields, Direzione Regionale Salute, Regione Umbria, Via M. Angeloni 61, 06124 Perugia.
| | - Francesco Nonino
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Kathryn Mahan
- Cochrane Neurological Sciences Fields, Direzione Regionale Salute, Regione Umbria, Via M. Angeloni 61, 06124 Perugia
| | - Massimiliano Orso
- Cochrane Neurological Sciences Fields, Direzione Regionale Salute, Regione Umbria, Via M. Angeloni 61, 06124 Perugia
| | - Ben Ridley
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Elisa Baldin
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Roberto D'Amico
- Italian Cochrane Centre, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Teresa Anna Cantisani
- Cochrane Neurological Sciences Fields, Direzione Regionale Salute, Regione Umbria, Via M. Angeloni 61, 06124 Perugia
| | - Cinzia Colombo
- Laboratory of Research and Consumer Involvement, Department of Public Health, Istituto Di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Fary Khan
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine Royal Melbourne Hospital, Royal Park Campus. Melbourne Victoria, Australia
| | - Sascha Köpke
- Institute of Nursing Science. University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Guy Peryer
- School of Health Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK, NIHR ARC East of England Palliative and Life Care Theme
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Castaño-Vinyals G, Sadetzki S, Vermeulen R, Momoli F, Kundi M, Merletti F, Maslanyj M, Calderon C, Wiart J, Lee AK, Taki M, Sim M, Armstrong B, Benke G, Schattner R, Hutter HP, Krewski D, Mohipp C, Ritvo P, Spinelli J, Lacour B, Remen T, Radon K, Weinmann T, Petridou ET, Moschovi M, Pourtsidis A, Oikonomou K, Kanavidis P, Bouka E, Dikshit R, Nagrani R, Chetrit A, Bruchim R, Maule M, Migliore E, Filippini G, Miligi L, Mattioli S, Kojimahara N, Yamaguchi N, Ha M, Choi K, Kromhout H, Goedhart G, 't Mannetje A, Eng A, Langer CE, Alguacil J, Aragonés N, Morales-Suárez-Varela M, Badia F, Albert A, Carretero G, Cardis E. Wireless phone use in childhood and adolescence and neuroepithelial brain tumours: Results from the international MOBI-Kids study. Environ Int 2022; 160:107069. [PMID: 34974237 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2021.107069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
In recent decades, the possibility that use of mobile communicating devices, particularly wireless (mobile and cordless) phones, may increase brain tumour risk, has been a concern, particularly given the considerable increase in their use by young people. MOBI-Kids, a 14-country (Australia, Austria, Canada, France, Germany, Greece, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Spain) case-control study, was conducted to evaluate whether wireless phone use (and particularly resulting exposure to radiofrequency (RF) and extremely low frequency (ELF) electromagnetic fields (EMF)) increases risk of brain tumours in young people. Between 2010 and 2015, the study recruited 899 people with brain tumours aged 10 to 24 years old and 1,910 controls (operated for appendicitis) matched to the cases on date of diagnosis, study region and age. Participation rates were 72% for cases and 54% for controls. The mean ages of cases and controls were 16.5 and 16.6 years, respectively; 57% were males. The vast majority of study participants were wireless phones users, even in the youngest age group, and the study included substantial numbers of long-term (over 10 years) users: 22% overall, 51% in the 20-24-year-olds. Most tumours were of the neuroepithelial type (NBT; n = 671), mainly glioma. The odds ratios (OR) of NBT appeared to decrease with increasing time since start of use of wireless phones, cumulative number of calls and cumulative call time, particularly in the 15-19 years old age group. A decreasing trend in ORs was also observed with increasing estimated cumulative RF specific energy and ELF induced current density at the location of the tumour. Further analyses suggest that the large number of ORs below 1 in this study is unlikely to represent an unknown causal preventive effect of mobile phone exposure: they can be at least partially explained by differential recall by proxies and prodromal symptoms affecting phone use before diagnosis of the cases. We cannot rule out, however, residual confounding from sources we did not measure. Overall, our study provides no evidence of a causal association between wireless phone use and brain tumours in young people. However, the sources of bias summarised above prevent us from ruling out a small increased risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Castaño-Vinyals
- Barcelona Institute of Global Health (ISGlobal), 88 Doctor Aiguader, E-08003 Barcelona, Spain; University Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiologia y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain; IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), Barcelona, Spain
| | - S Sadetzki
- Cancer & Radiation Epidemiology Unit, Gertner Institute for Epidemiology & Health Policy Research, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel; Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Ministry of Health, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - R Vermeulen
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - F Momoli
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Canada; Risk Science International, Ottawa, Canada
| | - M Kundi
- Department of Environmental Health, Center for Public Health, Medical University Vienna, Austria
| | - F Merletti
- Cancer Epidemiology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin and CPO-Piemonte, Turin, Italy
| | | | | | - J Wiart
- Laboratoire de Traitement et Communication de l'Information (LTCI), Telecom Paris, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, 91120 Palaiseau, France
| | - A-K Lee
- Radio Technology Research Department, Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI), Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, Korea
| | - M Taki
- Department of Electrical & Electronic Engineering, Graduate Schools of Science and Engineering, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - M Sim
- School of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - B Armstrong
- School of Population and Global Health, The University of Western Australia, Perth 6009, Australia
| | - G Benke
- School of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - R Schattner
- School of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - H-P Hutter
- Department of Environmental Health, Center for Public Health, Medical University Vienna, Austria
| | - D Krewski
- Risk Science International, Ottawa, Canada; School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; McLaughlin Centre for Population Health Risk Assessment, University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - C Mohipp
- University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
| | - P Ritvo
- York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - J Spinelli
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - B Lacour
- French National Registry of Childhood Solid Tumors, CHRU, Nancy, France; Inserm UMR 1153, Center of Research in Epidemiology and StatisticS (CRESS), Paris University, Epidemiology of Childhood and Adolescent Cancers Team (EPICEA), Paris, France
| | - T Remen
- Inserm UMR 1153, Center of Research in Epidemiology and StatisticS (CRESS), Paris University, Epidemiology of Childhood and Adolescent Cancers Team (EPICEA), Paris, France
| | - K Radon
- Institute and Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - T Weinmann
- Institute and Clinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - E Th Petridou
- Hellenic Society for Social Pediatrics & Health Promotion, Greece; Dept of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
| | - M Moschovi
- Hellenic Society for Social Pediatrics & Health Promotion, Greece
| | - A Pourtsidis
- Hellenic Society for Social Pediatrics & Health Promotion, Greece
| | - K Oikonomou
- Hellenic Society for Social Pediatrics & Health Promotion, Greece
| | - P Kanavidis
- Hellenic Society for Social Pediatrics & Health Promotion, Greece
| | - E Bouka
- Hellenic Society for Social Pediatrics & Health Promotion, Greece
| | - R Dikshit
- Centre for Cancer Epidemiology, Tata Memorial Centre, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai 410210, India
| | - R Nagrani
- Centre for Cancer Epidemiology, Tata Memorial Centre, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai 410210, India; Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research and Epidemiology - BIPS, Achterstrasse 30, 28359 Bremen, Germany
| | - A Chetrit
- Cancer & Radiation Epidemiology Unit, Gertner Institute for Epidemiology & Health Policy Research, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel
| | - R Bruchim
- Cancer & Radiation Epidemiology Unit, Gertner Institute for Epidemiology & Health Policy Research, Sheba Medical Center, Tel-Hashomer, Israel
| | - M Maule
- Cancer Epidemiology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin and CPO-Piemonte, Turin, Italy
| | - E Migliore
- Cancer Epidemiology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin and CPO-Piemonte, Turin, Italy
| | - G Filippini
- Scientific Director's Office, Carlo Besta Foundation and Neurological Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - L Miligi
- Environmental and Occupational Epidemiology Branch, Institute for Cancer Research, Prevention and Clinical Network (ISPRO), Florence, Italy
| | - S Mattioli
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Italy
| | - N Kojimahara
- Department of Public Health, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, Japan; Graduate School of Public Health, Shizuoka Graduate University of Public Health, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - N Yamaguchi
- Department of Public Health, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, Japan; Saiseikai Research Institute of Care and Welfare, Tokyo, Japan
| | - M Ha
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Dankook University College of Medicine, 119 Dandae-ro, Cheonan, Chungnam, South Korea
| | - K Choi
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Dankook University College of Medicine, 119 Dandae-ro, Cheonan, Chungnam, South Korea
| | - H Kromhout
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - G Goedhart
- Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - A 't Mannetje
- Centre for Public Health Research, Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - A Eng
- Centre for Public Health Research, Massey University, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - C E Langer
- Barcelona Institute of Global Health (ISGlobal), 88 Doctor Aiguader, E-08003 Barcelona, Spain; University Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiologia y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain
| | - J Alguacil
- CIBER Epidemiologia y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación en Recursos Naturales, Salud y Medio Ambiente (RENSMA), Universidad de Huelva, Huelva, Spain
| | - N Aragonés
- CIBER Epidemiologia y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain; Epidemiology Section, Public Health Division, Department of Health of Madrid, 28035 Madrid, Spain
| | - M Morales-Suárez-Varela
- CIBER Epidemiologia y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain; Unit of Public Health and Environmental Care, Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Food Sciences, Toxicology and Forensic Medicine, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - F Badia
- Barcelona Institute of Global Health (ISGlobal), 88 Doctor Aiguader, E-08003 Barcelona, Spain; University Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiologia y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain; Institut Cartogràfic i Geològic de Catalunya, Barcelona, Spain
| | - A Albert
- Barcelona Institute of Global Health (ISGlobal), 88 Doctor Aiguader, E-08003 Barcelona, Spain; University Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiologia y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain
| | - G Carretero
- Barcelona Institute of Global Health (ISGlobal), 88 Doctor Aiguader, E-08003 Barcelona, Spain; University Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiologia y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain; Institut Català d'Oncologia, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
| | - E Cardis
- Barcelona Institute of Global Health (ISGlobal), 88 Doctor Aiguader, E-08003 Barcelona, Spain; University Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain; CIBER Epidemiologia y Salud Pública, Madrid, Spain.
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Piggott T, Nonino F, Baldin E, Filippini G, Rijke N, Schünemann H, Laurson-Doube J. Multiple Sclerosis International Federation guideline methodology for off-label treatments for multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler J Exp Transl Clin 2021; 7:20552173211051855. [PMID: 34900327 PMCID: PMC8655455 DOI: 10.1177/20552173211051855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A total of 2.8 million people are living with multiple sclerosis and due to
disparities in access to medicines, the ability to treat this condition
varies widely. Off-label disease-modifying therapies are sometimes more
available or affordable in different health systems. Appropriate methodology
is integral in creating high-quality and trustworthy guidelines. In this
article, we outline Multiple Sclerosis International Federation’s (MSIF)
approach to creating guidelines for off-label treatments for multiple
sclerosis. Methods We use the Guidelines International Network (GIN)-McMaster Guideline
Development Checklist and the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment,
Development and Evaluations (GRADE) Evidence-to-Decision (EtD) framework. We
developed detailed health descriptors for health outcomes and the panel
drafted PICO (Population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcome) questions and
prioritised outcomes. We collaborate with independent organisations, which
systematically review and collate the information. We are actively engaging
stakeholders and consulting with relevant organisations, boards, working
groups and individuals. Results The draft guideline recommendations will be published for open comment and
stakeholders will be encouraged to endorse and disseminate the guidelines.
Our methodology ensures integrity and transparency in the criteria, evidence
and judgement used to make recommendations. Conclusions This approach will facilitate transparent creation of high-quality and
trustworthy guidelines, and allow the global guidelines to be adopted or
adapted into national settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Piggott
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Francesco Nonino
- Cochrane Multiple Sclerosis and Rare Diseases of the CNS Review Group, IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Elisa Baldin
- Cochrane Multiple Sclerosis and Rare Diseases of the CNS Review Group, IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Graziella Filippini
- Cochrane Multiple Sclerosis and Rare Diseases of the CNS Review Group, Scientific Director's Office, Carlo Besta Foundation and Neurological Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Nick Rijke
- Multiple Sclerosis International Federation, London, UK
| | - Holger Schünemann
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common neurological cause of disability in young adults. Off-label rituximab for MS is used in most countries surveyed by the International Federation of MS, including high-income countries where on-label disease-modifying treatments (DMTs) are available. OBJECTIVES: To assess beneficial and adverse effects of rituximab as 'first choice' and as 'switching' for adults with MS. SEARCH METHODS We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and trial registers for completed and ongoing studies on 31 January 2021. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and controlled non-randomised studies of interventions (NRSIs) comparing rituximab with placebo or another DMT for adults with MS. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We followed standard Cochrane methodology. We used the Cochrane Collaboration's tool for assessing risk of bias. We rated the certainty of evidence using GRADE for: disability worsening, relapse, serious adverse events (SAEs), health-related quality of life (HRQoL), common infections, cancer, and mortality. We conducted separate analyses for rituximab as 'first choice' or as 'switching', relapsing or progressive MS, comparison versus placebo or another DMT, and RCTs or NRSIs. MAIN RESULTS We included 15 studies (5 RCTs, 10 NRSIs) with 16,429 participants of whom 13,143 were relapsing MS and 3286 progressive MS. The studies were one to two years long and compared rituximab as 'first choice' with placebo (1 RCT) or other DMTs (1 NRSI), rituximab as 'switching' against placebo (2 RCTs) or other DMTs (2 RCTs, 9 NRSIs). The studies were conducted worldwide; most originated from high-income countries, six from the Swedish MS register. Pharmaceutical companies funded two studies. We identified 14 ongoing studies. Rituximab as 'first choice' for relapsing MS Rituximab versus placebo: no studies met eligibility criteria for this comparison. Rituximab versus other DMTs: one NRSI compared rituximab with interferon beta or glatiramer acetate, dimethyl fumarate, natalizumab, or fingolimod in active relapsing MS at 24 months' follow-up. Rituximab likely results in a large reduction in relapses compared with interferon beta or glatiramer acetate (hazard ratio (HR) 0.14, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.05 to 0.39; 335 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). Rituximab may reduce relapses compared with dimethyl fumarate (HR 0.29, 95% CI 0.08 to 1.00; 206 participants; low-certainty evidence) and natalizumab (HR 0.24, 95% CI 0.06 to 1.00; 170 participants; low-certainty evidence). It may make little or no difference on relapse compared with fingolimod (HR 0.26, 95% CI 0.04 to 1.69; 137 participants; very low-certainty evidence). The study reported no deaths over 24 months. The study did not measure disability worsening, SAEs, HRQoL, and common infections. Rituximab as 'first choice' for progressive MS One RCT compared rituximab with placebo in primary progressive MS at 24 months' follow-up. Rituximab likely results in little to no difference in the number of participants who have disability worsening compared with placebo (odds ratio (OR) 0.71, 95% CI 0.45 to 1.11; 439 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). Rituximab may result in little to no difference in recurrence of relapses (OR 0.60, 95% CI 0.18 to 1.99; 439 participants; low-certainty evidence), SAEs (OR 1.25, 95% CI 0.71 to 2.20; 439 participants; low-certainty evidence), common infections (OR 1.14, 95% CI 0.75 to 1.73; 439 participants; low-certainty evidence), cancer (OR 0.50, 95% CI 0.07 to 3.59; 439 participants; low-certainty evidence), and mortality (OR 0.25, 95% CI 0.02 to 2.77; 439 participants; low-certainty evidence). The study did not measure HRQoL. Rituximab versus other DMTs: no studies met eligibility criteria for this comparison. Rituximab as 'switching' for relapsing MS One RCT compared rituximab with placebo in relapsing MS at 12 months' follow-up. Rituximab may decrease recurrence of relapses compared with placebo (OR 0.38, 95% CI 0.16 to 0.93; 104 participants; low-certainty evidence). The data did not confirm or exclude a beneficial or detrimental effect of rituximab relative to placebo on SAEs (OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.28 to 2.92; 104 participants; very low-certainty evidence), common infections (OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.37 to 2.24; 104 participants; very low-certainty evidence), cancer (OR 1.55, 95% CI 0.06 to 39.15; 104 participants; very low-certainty evidence), and mortality (OR 1.55, 95% CI 0.06 to 39.15; 104 participants; very low-certainty evidence). The study did not measure disability worsening and HRQoL. Five NRSIs compared rituximab with other DMTs in relapsing MS at 24 months' follow-up. The data did not confirm or exclude a beneficial or detrimental effect of rituximab relative to interferon beta or glatiramer acetate on disability worsening (HR 0.86, 95% CI 0.52 to 1.42; 1 NRSI, 853 participants; very low-certainty evidence). Rituximab likely results in a large reduction in relapses compared with interferon beta or glatiramer acetate (HR 0.18, 95% CI 0.07 to 0.49; 1 NRSI, 1383 participants; moderate-certainty evidence); and fingolimod (HR 0.08, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.32; 1 NRSI, 256 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). The data did not confirm or exclude a beneficial or detrimental effect of rituximab relative to natalizumab on relapses (HR 1.0, 95% CI 0.2 to 5.0; 1 NRSI, 153 participants; very low-certainty evidence). Rituximab likely increases slightly common infections compared with interferon beta or glatiramer acetate (OR 1.71, 95% CI 1.11 to 2.62; 1 NRSI, 5477 participants; moderate-certainty evidence); and compared with natalizumab (OR 1.58, 95% CI 1.08 to 2.32; 2 NRSIs, 5001 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). Rituximab may increase slightly common infections compared with fingolimod (OR 1.26, 95% CI 0.90 to 1.77; 3 NRSIs, 5187 participants; low-certainty evidence). It may make little or no difference compared with ocrelizumab (OR 0.02, 95% CI 0.00 to 0.40; 1 NRSI, 472 participants; very low-certainty evidence). The data did not confirm or exclude a beneficial or detrimental effect of rituximab on mortality compared with fingolimod (OR 5.59, 95% CI 0.22 to 139.89; 1 NRSI, 136 participants; very low-certainty evidence) and natalizumab (OR 6.66, 95% CI 0.27 to 166.58; 1 NRSI, 153 participants; very low-certainty evidence). The included studies did not measure SAEs, HRQoL, and cancer. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS For preventing relapses in relapsing MS, rituximab as 'first choice' and as 'switching' may compare favourably with a wide range of approved DMTs. A protective effect of rituximab against disability worsening is uncertain. There is limited information to determine the effect of rituximab for progressive MS. The evidence is uncertain about the effect of rituximab on SAEs. They are relatively rare in people with MS, thus difficult to study, and they were not well reported in studies. There is an increased risk of common infections with rituximab, but absolute risk is small. Rituximab is widely used as off-label treatment in people with MS; however, randomised evidence is weak. In the absence of randomised evidence, remaining uncertainties on beneficial and adverse effects of rituximab for MS might be clarified by making real-world data available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graziella Filippini
- Scientific Director's Office, Carlo Besta Foundation and Neurological Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Jera Kruja
- Neurology, UHC Mother Theresa, University of Medicine, Tirana, Albania
| | - Cinzia Del Giovane
- Institute of Primary Health Care (BIHAM), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Population Health Laboratory (#PopHealthLab), University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
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Celani MG, Cantisani T, Nonino F, Baldin E, Mahan K, Orso M, Filippini G. Identify unanswered questions in multiple sclerosis. A Cochrane strategy to prioritize future research. J Neurol Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2021.118092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Minozzi S, Dwan K, Borrelli F, Filippini G. Reliability of the revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomised trials (RoB2) improved with the use of implementation instruction. J Clin Epidemiol 2021; 141:99-105. [PMID: 34537386 DOI: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2021.09.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 09/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE to assess the inter-rater reliability (IRR) of the revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomised trials (RoB2). METHODS Four raters independently applied RoB2 on critical and important outcomes of individually randomized parallel-group trials (RCTs) included in the Cochrane Review "Cannabis and cannabinoids for people with multiple sclerosis." We calculated Fleiss' Kappa for multiple raters and time to complete the tool; we performed a calibration exercise on five studies, then we developed an implementation document (ID) specific for the condition, and the intervention addressed by the review with instructions on how to answer the signalling questions of RoB2 tool. We measured IRR before and after the ID adoption RESULTS: Eighty results related to seven outcomes from 16 RCTs were assessed. During calibration exercise we reached no agreement for overall judgment (IRR -0.15); IRR for individual domains ranged from no agreement to fair. Mean time to apply the tool was 168.5 minutes per study. Time to complete the calibration exercise and develop the ID was about 40 hours. After the ID adoption ID, overall agreement increased to slightly (IRR 0.11) for the first five studies and moderate (IRR 0.42) for the remaining 11. IRR for individual domains ranged from no agreement to almost perfect. Mean time to apply the tool decreased to 41 minutes. CONCLUSION RoB2 tool is comprehensive but complex even for high experienced raters. The development of an ID specific for the review may improve reliability substantially.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Minozzi
- Department of Epidemiology, Lazio Regional Health Service, Rome, Italy.
| | - Kerry Dwan
- Department of Cochrane Editorial and Methods, London
| | - Francesca Borrelli
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Graziella Filippini
- Scientific Director's Office, Carlo Besta Foundation and Neurological Institute, Milan, Italy
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Crugnola E, Gobbetti A, Fiandanese N, Filippini G. P–562 PGT-M with de novo mutations : how to deal with it? Hum Reprod 2021. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deab130.561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Study question
How to technically deal with the PGT-M set-up in case of de novo mutations in female or male affected patients with dominant disease due to de novo mutations.
Summary answer
PGT-M was performed for three couples carrying de novo mutations using direct and linkage analysis on sperm or polar bodies to define haplotypes and phase.
What is known already
Couples with a de novo mutation in a gene causing AD disease, such as FGFR3 (achondroplasia), NF1 (neurofibromatosis) and EXT2 (multiple exostosis) cannot undergo PGT-M via standard techniques like karyomapping, as the absence of affected relatives makes phasing impossible. However, linkage analysis combined with direct mutation analysis allows on haploid cells from the mutation carrier, such as sperm or polar bodies (PB), allows the correct association of a haplotype and the disease-causing mutation. Flanking informative STRs must be positioned at < 1 Mb of the gene, in order to minimize the risk of recombination during meiosis.
Study design, size, duration
Couples underwent pre-test counselling with a geneticist and an IVF specialist. Pathogenic variants were identified and their absence from the couples’ parents confirmed. Four to six informative STRs were identified. For males we analysed 20–50 isolated sperm to define the haplotypes and the phase, before starting with the stimulation cycle; for females, we needed to wait after the oocyte pick-up and the biopsy of PBs. Point mutations are identified by SNaPshot, deletions by multiplexed STS.
Participants/materials, setting, methods
The 3 couples in the study presented in IVF centres, requesting PGT-M for either male or female AD disease. They had genetic testing reports from other laboratories. For FGFR3 and NF1, the described variants were confirmed. The patient with multiple exostosis came with a negative genetic result for EXT1 and EXT2 genes, but after diagnostic-quality NGS (Blueprint Genetics, Finland) we identified an EXT2 deletion.
Diagnostic multiplex PCR was then performed on embryos or polar bodies.
Main results and the role of chance
The setup started with the confirmation of the mutations in the 3 couples and the confirmation of the de novo status. Four to six informative STRs were then identified for each couple. Multiplex PCR containing the STRs and the SNAPSHOT analysis for the point mutations was developed. To identify the phase and the disease-carrying haplotype in male carriers, we performed a multiplex PCR on 20–50 spermatozoa. In the female patient with NF1, the haplotype and the phase were determined on the polar bodies; the mutation was on her paternal allele, as predicted genetically.
Prior to PGT, we evaluated the robustness of each multiplex on 20 to 50 single leukocytes of the couple. Each couple had at least one embryo not carrying the risk haplotype, suitable for transfer. The couples with NF1 and achondroplasia both delivered a healthy, unaffected baby. The pregnancy is ongoing in the couple with the EXT2 variant.
PGT-M is now easily handled for standard situations, with semiautomated protocols that do not need extensive setups. De novo mutations however present a unique challenge, because of the impossibility in most cases of determining the phase of the disease-causing variant. We present a patient-centric approach with individualized protocols.
Limitations, reasons for caution
Allele drop-out could lead to misdiagnosis of the embryo. To avoid that, 6 flanking STRs (3 proximal and 3 distal) and genotyping of the variant should be performed. When possible, it is good practice to pre-define the different haplotypes with the parents of the patients.
Wider implications of the findings: The increasing number of laboratories offering off-the-shelf testing with NGS panels and semi-automated PGT can fulfil demand for routine situations. However in more complex cases, diagnostic-quality NGS and individualized PGT-M programmes are needed. These cases also remind us that PGT-M requires extensive multidisciplinarity to maximize the chance of successful outcome.
Trial registration number
Not applicable
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Affiliation(s)
- E Crugnola
- Synlab Ticino, Genetics, Bioggio, Switzerland
| | - A Gobbetti
- Synlab Ticino, Genetics, Bioggio, Switzerland
| | | | - G Filippini
- Synlab Ticino, Genetics, Bioggio, Switzerland
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14
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Nonino F, Baldin E, Ridley B, Casetta I, Iuliano G, Filippini G. Azathioprine for people with multiple sclerosis. Hippokratia 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd015005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Nonino
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna; Bologna Italy
| | - Elisa Baldin
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna; Bologna Italy
| | - Ben Ridley
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna; Bologna Italy
| | - Ilaria Casetta
- Sezione di Clinica Neurologica; Dip.to di Discipline Medico Chirurgiche della Comunicazione e del Comportamento; Universita degli Studi di Ferrara; Ferrara Italy
| | | | - Graziella Filippini
- Scientific Director’s Office; Carlo Besta Foundation and Neurological Institute; Milan Italy
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Filippini G, Kruja J, He D, Del Giovane C. Rituximab for people with multiple sclerosis. Hippokratia 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd013874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Graziella Filippini
- Scientific Director’s Office; Carlo Besta Foundation and Neurological Institute; Milan Italy
| | - Jera Kruja
- Neurology; UHC Mother Theresa; Tirana Albania
| | - Dian He
- Department of Neurology; Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University; Guiyang China
| | - Cinzia Del Giovane
- Institute of Primary Health Care (BIHAM); University of Bern; Bern Switzerland
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Aconiti Mandolini N, Perugini G, Filippini G, Pierucci P, Baiguini A, Vaccaro A, Pelagalli G, Marinelli F, Capuccella M. Evaluation of colistin consumption in swine and poultry of Marche region during the 2017-2019 period. Eur J Public Health 2020. [DOI: 10.1093/eurpub/ckaa166.1305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
In Italy, the National Plan against Antimicrobial Resistance (PNCAR 2017-2020) involves both human and veterinary sectors. The last one was requested to reduce colistin consumption, a first choice antibiotic for human health. Indeed, the Plan defines specific limits to reach within 2020. In Marche region, there is a project from 2017, consisting in monitoring antibiotic consumption in livestock, with particular reference to Critically Important Antimicrobials (CIAs), like colistin. The project represents an AMR stewardship, which involves regional Veterinary Services, veterinary professionals and the IZS Umbria e Marche, developing a specific training and education path ad hoc.
In this work, we have considered data coming from swine and poultry prescriptions of Marche region in the 2017-2019 period, using these for the calculation of ADDD (Animal Defined Daily Doses), a method already used in human. In practice, we have first established DDDvet values, as suggested by ESVAC, obtained from the Italian drugs containing colistin made for the considered species.
Colistin prescription in swine reduced of 97% (from 20.60 in 2017 to 0.69 DDD/1000 animals-die in 2019). In poultry, a reduction of 69% was obtained (from 5.07 in 2017 to 1.56 DDD/1000 animals-die in 2019). Then, there was an evidence of reduction more than 70% in colistin consumption, demonstrating the importance of the education and awareness program sponsored by Competent Authorities and the other stakeholders involved. The used method of calculation (ESVAC) is different from the currently applied one, as it consists of standardized unity of measures, using prescription data rather than sales ones.
Monitoring antibiotic consumption both in human and veterinary sector is essential to understand AMR, as well is important the possibility to compare the data to each other. The present work demonstrate that, also in veterinary, is possible to apply the DDD-method to evaluate antibiotic consumption, like colistin.
Key messages
Colistin consumption has reduced in swine and poultry sectors in the 2017-2019 period. A standardized method of calculation of antibiotic consumption in animals is strongly needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Aconiti Mandolini
- Laboratorio Diagnostica, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Umbria e delle Marche, Tolentino, Italy
| | - G Perugini
- Laboratorio Diagnostica, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Umbria e delle Marche, Tolentino, Italy
| | - G Filippini
- Direzione Sanitaria, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Umbria e delle Marche, Perugia, Italy
| | - P Pierucci
- PF Prevenzione Veterinaria e Sicurezza Alimentare, Regione Marche, Marche, Italy
| | - A Baiguini
- PF Prevenzione Veterinaria e Sicurezza Alimentare, Regione Marche, Marche, Italy
| | - A Vaccaro
- Servizi di Igiene degli All. e delle Prod. Zootecniche, Regione Marche, Marche, Italy
| | - G Pelagalli
- Servizi di Igiene degli All. e delle Prod. Zootecniche, Regione Marche, Marche, Italy
| | - F Marinelli
- Servizi di Igiene degli All. e delle Prod. Zootecniche, Regione Marche, Marche, Italy
| | - M Capuccella
- Centro di Farmacovigilanza Veterinaria dell'Umbria, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale dell'Umbria e delle Marche, Perugia, Italy
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Colombo C, Confalonieri P, Rovaris M, La Mantia L, Galeazzi P, Silena Trevisan, Pariani A, Gerevini S, De Stefano N, Guglielmino R, Caserta C, Mosconi P, Filippini G. The IN-DEEP project "INtegrating and Deriving Evidence, Experiences, Preferences": a web information model on magnetic resonance imaging for people with multiple sclerosis. J Neurol 2020; 267:2421-2431. [PMID: 32361839 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-020-09864-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2020] [Revised: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The IN-DEEP project aims to provide people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) with evidence-based information on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in diagnosis and monitoring the disease through a website, and to collect their opinions on the clarity of the website's contents and its usefulness. METHODS AND ANALYSIS A multidisciplinary advisory board committee was set up. We investigated the experience, attitude and information needs on MRI through three meetings with 24 PwMS, facilitated by an expert researcher and an observer. We developed the website on the basis of input from PwMS and systematic reviews and guidelines, assessed with AMSTAR and AGREE II. We sought feedback from nine PwMS who pilot-tested the beta-version of the website, during a meeting and through phone interviews and judged whether the contents were clear, understandable and useful, and the website was easily navigable. The website is in Italian. RESULTS The website ( https://www.istituto-besta.it/in-deep-risonanza-magnetica2 ) provides two levels of information, different layouts and visualization of data covering MRI diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity and specificity, contents on how MRI can monitor PwMS over time to determine changes in the condition and evaluate treatment effects, practical information on how to prepare for the exam, educational tools and a glossary. The website was judged clear and useful by a sample of PwMS. CONCLUSIONS The website is a tool to address PwMS information needs on the role of MRI. It could be used by neurologists to facilitate communication with PwMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cinzia Colombo
- Laboratory of Research and Consumer Involvement, Department of Public Health, Istituto Di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Via Mario Negri 2, 20156, Milan, Italy.
| | - Paolo Confalonieri
- Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Unit of Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases, Fondazione IRCCS, Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, via Celoria 11, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Rovaris
- IRCCS Don C. Gnocchi Foundation ONLUS, Via Capecelatro 66, 20148, Milan, Italy
| | - Loredana La Mantia
- IRCCS Don C. Gnocchi Foundation ONLUS, Via Capecelatro 66, 20148, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Simonetta Gerevini
- Unit of Neuroradiology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Nicola De Stefano
- Department of Medicine, Surgery, and Neurosciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Roberta Guglielmino
- Scientific Research Area, Italian Multiple Sclerosis Foundation (FISM), Via Operai 40, 16149, Genoa, Italy
| | - Cinzia Caserta
- Multiple Sclerosis Center, Policlinico G. Rodolico, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Paola Mosconi
- Laboratory of Research and Consumer Involvement, Department of Public Health, Istituto Di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Via Mario Negri 2, 20156, Milan, Italy
| | - Graziella Filippini
- Scientific Direction, Carlo Besta Foundation and Neurological Institute, via Celoria 11, 20133, Milan, Italy
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Al-hotmani O, Al-Obaidi M, Filippini G, Manenti F, Patel R, Mujtaba I. Optimisation of multi effect distillation based desalination system for minimum production cost for freshwater via repetitive simulation. Comput Chem Eng 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.compchemeng.2019.106710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Lombardi G, Crescioli G, Cavedo E, Lucenteforte E, Casazza G, Bellatorre A, Lista C, Costantino G, Frisoni G, Virgili G, Filippini G. Structural magnetic resonance imaging for the early diagnosis of dementia due to Alzheimer's disease in people with mild cognitive impairment. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2020; 3:CD009628. [PMID: 32119112 PMCID: PMC7059964 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd009628.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) due to Alzheimer's disease is the symptomatic predementia phase of Alzheimer's disease dementia, characterised by cognitive and functional impairment not severe enough to fulfil the criteria for dementia. In clinical samples, people with amnestic MCI are at high risk of developing Alzheimer's disease dementia, with annual rates of progression from MCI to Alzheimer's disease estimated at approximately 10% to 15% compared with the base incidence rates of Alzheimer's disease dementia of 1% to 2% per year. OBJECTIVES To assess the diagnostic accuracy of structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the early diagnosis of dementia due to Alzheimer's disease in people with MCI versus the clinical follow-up diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease dementia as a reference standard (delayed verification). To investigate sources of heterogeneity in accuracy, such as the use of qualitative visual assessment or quantitative volumetric measurements, including manual or automatic (MRI) techniques, or the length of follow-up, and age of participants. MRI was evaluated as an add-on test in addition to clinical diagnosis of MCI to improve early diagnosis of dementia due to Alzheimer's disease in people with MCI. SEARCH METHODS On 29 January 2019 we searched Cochrane Dementia and Cognitive Improvement's Specialised Register and the databases, MEDLINE, Embase, BIOSIS Previews, Science Citation Index, PsycINFO, and LILACS. We also searched the reference lists of all eligible studies identified by the electronic searches. SELECTION CRITERIA We considered cohort studies of any size that included prospectively recruited people of any age with a diagnosis of MCI. We included studies that compared the diagnostic test accuracy of baseline structural MRI versus the clinical follow-up diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease dementia (delayed verification). We did not exclude studies on the basis of length of follow-up. We included studies that used either qualitative visual assessment or quantitative volumetric measurements of MRI to detect atrophy in the whole brain or in specific brain regions, such as the hippocampus, medial temporal lobe, lateral ventricles, entorhinal cortex, medial temporal gyrus, lateral temporal lobe, amygdala, and cortical grey matter. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Four teams of two review authors each independently reviewed titles and abstracts of articles identified by the search strategy. Two teams of two review authors each independently assessed the selected full-text articles for eligibility, extracted data and solved disagreements by consensus. Two review authors independently assessed the quality of studies using the QUADAS-2 tool. We used the hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic (HSROC) model to fit summary ROC curves and to obtain overall measures of relative accuracy in subgroup analyses. We also used these models to obtain pooled estimates of sensitivity and specificity when sufficient data sets were available. MAIN RESULTS We included 33 studies, published from 1999 to 2019, with 3935 participants of whom 1341 (34%) progressed to Alzheimer's disease dementia and 2594 (66%) did not. Of the participants who did not progress to Alzheimer's disease dementia, 2561 (99%) remained stable MCI and 33 (1%) progressed to other types of dementia. The median proportion of women was 53% and the mean age of participants ranged from 63 to 87 years (median 73 years). The mean length of clinical follow-up ranged from 1 to 7.6 years (median 2 years). Most studies were of poor methodological quality due to risk of bias for participant selection or the index test, or both. Most of the included studies reported data on the volume of the total hippocampus (pooled mean sensitivity 0.73 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.64 to 0.80); pooled mean specificity 0.71 (95% CI 0.65 to 0.77); 22 studies, 2209 participants). This evidence was of low certainty due to risk of bias and inconsistency. Seven studies reported data on the atrophy of the medial temporal lobe (mean sensitivity 0.64 (95% CI 0.53 to 0.73); mean specificity 0.65 (95% CI 0.51 to 0.76); 1077 participants) and five studies on the volume of the lateral ventricles (mean sensitivity 0.57 (95% CI 0.49 to 0.65); mean specificity 0.64 (95% CI 0.59 to 0.70); 1077 participants). This evidence was of moderate certainty due to risk of bias. Four studies with 529 participants analysed the volume of the total entorhinal cortex and four studies with 424 participants analysed the volume of the whole brain. We did not estimate pooled sensitivity and specificity for the volume of these two regions because available data were sparse and heterogeneous. We could not statistically evaluate the volumes of the lateral temporal lobe, amygdala, medial temporal gyrus, or cortical grey matter assessed in small individual studies. We found no evidence of a difference between studies in the accuracy of the total hippocampal volume with regards to duration of follow-up or age of participants, but the manual MRI technique was superior to automatic techniques in mixed (mostly indirect) comparisons. We did not assess the relative accuracy of the volumes of different brain regions measured by MRI because only indirect comparisons were available, studies were heterogeneous, and the overall accuracy of all regions was moderate. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS The volume of hippocampus or medial temporal lobe, the most studied brain regions, showed low sensitivity and specificity and did not qualify structural MRI as a stand-alone add-on test for an early diagnosis of dementia due to Alzheimer's disease in people with MCI. This is consistent with international guidelines, which recommend imaging to exclude non-degenerative or surgical causes of cognitive impairment and not to diagnose dementia due to Alzheimer's disease. In view of the low quality of most of the included studies, the findings of this review should be interpreted with caution. Future research should not focus on a single biomarker, but rather on combinations of biomarkers to improve an early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gemma Lombardi
- University of FlorenceDepartment of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA)Largo Brambilla, 3FlorenceItaly50134
| | - Giada Crescioli
- University of FlorenceDepartment of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA)Largo Brambilla, 3FlorenceItaly50134
| | - Enrica Cavedo
- Pitie‐Salpetriere Hospital, Sorbonne UniversityAlzheimer Precision Medicine (APM), AP‐HP47 boulevard de l'HopitalParisFrance75013
| | - Ersilia Lucenteforte
- University of PisaDepartment of Clinical and Experimental MedicineVia Savi 10PisaItaly56126
| | - Giovanni Casazza
- Università degli Studi di MilanoDipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Cliniche "L. Sacco"via GB Grassi 74MilanItaly20157
| | | | - Chiara Lista
- Fondazione I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Neurologico Carlo BestaNeuroepidemiology UnitVia Celoria, 11MilanoItaly20133
| | - Giorgio Costantino
- Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Università degli Studi di MilanoUOC Pronto Soccorso e Medicina D'Urgenza, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' GrandaMilanItaly
| | | | - Gianni Virgili
- University of FlorenceDepartment of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA)Largo Brambilla, 3FlorenceItaly50134
| | - Graziella Filippini
- Carlo Besta Foundation and Neurological InstituteScientific Director’s Officevia Celoria, 11MilanItaly20133
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Zamboni P, Tesio L, Galimberti S, Massacesi L, Salvi F, D'Alessandro R, Cenni P, Galeotti R, Papini D, D'Amico R, Simi S, Valsecchi MG, Filippini G. Efficacy and Safety of Extracranial Vein Angioplasty in Multiple Sclerosis: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Neurol 2019; 75:35-43. [PMID: 29150995 PMCID: PMC5833494 DOI: 10.1001/jamaneurol.2017.3825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Question What is the efficacy of venous percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) for chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency in patients with multiple sclerosis? Findings In the Brave Dreams trial, which included 115 patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, venous PTA did not increase the proportion of patients who improved functionally nor did it reduce the mean number of new combined brain lesions on magnetic resonance imaging at 12 months. However, there was a tendency for more patients to become free of new lesions after venous PTA mainly because of a reduction in new lesions appearing 6 to 12 months after randomization. Meaning Venous PTA cannot be recommended for patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. Importance Chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI) is characterized by restricted venous outflow from the brain and spinal cord. Whether this condition is associated with multiple sclerosis (MS) and whether venous percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) is beneficial in persons with MS and CCSVI is controversial. Objective To determine the efficacy and safety of venous PTA in patients with MS and CCSVI. Design, Setting, and Participants We analyzed 177 patients with relapsing-remitting MS; 62 were ineligible, including 47 (26.6%) who did not have CCSVI on color Doppler ultrasonography screening. A total of 115 patients were recruited in the study timeframe. All patients underwent a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled, parallel-group trial in 6 MS centers in Italy. The trial began in August 2012 and concluded in March 2016; data were analyzed from April 2016 to September 2016. The analysis was intention to treat. Interventions Patients were randomly allocated (2:1) to either venous PTA or catheter venography without venous angioplasty (sham). Main Outcomes and Measures Two primary end points were assessed at 12 months: (1) a composite functional measure (ie, walking control, balance, manual dexterity, postvoid residual urine volume, and visual acuity) and (2) a measure of new combined brain lesions on magnetic resonance imaging, including the proportion of lesion-free patients. Combined lesions included T1 gadolinium-enhancing lesions plus new or enlarged T2 lesions. Results Of the included 115 patients with relapsing-remitting MS, 76 were allocated to the PTA group (45 female [59%]; mean [SD] age, 40.0 [10.3] years) and 39 to the sham group (29 female [74%]; mean [SD] age, 37.5 [10.6] years); 112 (97.4%) completed follow-up. No serious adverse events occurred. Flow restoration was achieved in 38 of 71 patients (54%) in the PTA group. The functional composite measure did not differ between the PTA and sham groups (41.7% vs 48.7%; odds ratio, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.34-1.68; P = .49). The mean (SD) number of combined lesions on magnetic resonance imaging at 6 to 12 months were 0.47 (1.19) in the PTA group vs 1.27 (2.65) in the sham group (mean ratio, 0.37; 95% CI, 0.15-0.91; P = .03: adjusted P = .09) and were 1.40 (4.21) in the PTA group vs 1.95 (3.73) in the sham group at 0 to 12 months (mean ratio, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.32-1.63; P = .45; adjusted P = .45). At follow-up after 6 to 12 months, 58 of 70 patients (83%) in the PTA group and 22 of 33 (67%) in the sham group were free of new lesions on magnetic resonance imaging (odds ratio, 2.64; 95% CI, 1.11-6.28; P = .03; adjusted P = .09). At 0 to 12 months, 46 of 73 patients (63.0%) in the PTA group and 18 of 37 (49%) in the sham group were free of new lesions on magnetic resonance imaging (odds ratio, 1.80; 95% CI, 0.81-4.01; P = .15; adjusted P = .30). Conclusion and Relevance Venous PTA has proven to be a safe but largely ineffective technique; the treatment cannot be recommended in patients with MS. Trial Registration clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01371760
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Zamboni
- Translational Surgery and Vascular Diseases Centre, University of Ferrara Hospital, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Luigi Tesio
- Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health, Chair of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Italian Auxologico Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefania Galimberti
- Center of Biostatistics for Clinical Epidemiology, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milan-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Massacesi
- Department of Neurosciences Drugs and Child Health, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Salvi
- Institute of the Neurological Science, Bellaria Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Donato Papini
- Regional Agency for Health and Social Care, Regione Emilia-Romagna, Italy
| | - Roberto D'Amico
- Department of Diagnostic, Clinical and Public Health Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Silvana Simi
- MS Cochrane Group. Institute of Clinical Physiology, Pisa, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Valsecchi
- Center of Biostatistics for Clinical Epidemiology, School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milan-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Graziella Filippini
- Scientific Director's Office, Carlo Besta Foundation and Neurological Institute, Milan, Italy
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Filippini G, Fiandanese N, Risch L, Jemec M, Bellavia M. 36. TWO HEALTHY BABIES BORN AFTER IMPLANTATION OF MULTIPLE CHROMOSOMALLY-RESCUED OOCYTES. Reprod Biomed Online 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2019.04.089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Abstract
BACKGROUND This review is an update of a previously published review, "Vitamin D for the management of multiple sclerosis" (published in the Cochrane Library; 2010, Issue 12). Multiple sclerosis (MS) is characterised by inflammation, demyelination, axonal or neuronal loss, and astrocytic gliosis in the central nervous system (CNS), which can result in varying levels of disability. Some studies have provided evidence showing an association of MS with low levels of vitamin D and benefit derived from its supplementation. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the benefit and safety of vitamin D supplementation for reducing disease activity in people with MS. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Multiple Sclerosis and Rare Diseases of the CNS Specialized Register up to 2 October 2017 through contact with the Information Specialist with search terms relevant to this review. We included references identified from comprehensive electronic database searches and from handsearches of relevant journals and abstract books from conferences. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs that compared vitamin D versus placebo, routine care, or low doses of vitamin D in patients with MS. Vitamin D was administered as monotherapy or in combination with calcium. Concomitant interventions were allowed if they were used equally in all trial intervention groups. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently extracted data and assessed the methodological quality of studies, while another review author sorted any disagreements. We expressed treatment effects as mean differences (MDs) for continuous outcomes (Expanded Disability Status Scale and number of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) gadolinium-enhancing T1 lesions), as standardised MDs for health-related quality of life, as rate differences for annualised relapse rates, and as risk differences (RDs) for serious adverse events and minor adverse events, together with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). MAIN RESULTS We identified 12 RCTs enrolling 933 participants with MS; 464 were randomised to the vitamin D group, and 469 to the comparator group. Eleven trials tested vitamin D₃, and one trial tested vitamin D₂. Vitamin D₃ had no effect on the annualised relapse rate at 52 weeks' follow-up (rate difference -0.05, 95% CI -0.17 to 0.07; I² = 38%; five trials; 417 participants; very low-quality evidence according to the GRADE instrument); on the Expanded Disability Status Scale at 52 weeks' follow-up (MD -0.25, 95% CI -0.61 to 0.10; I² = 35%; five trials; 221 participants; very low-quality evidence according to GRADE); and on MRI gadolinium-enhancing T1 lesions at 52 weeks' follow-up (MD 0.02, 95% CI -0.45 to 0.48; I² = 12%; two trials; 256 participants; very low-quality evidence according to GRADE). Vitamin D₃ did not increase the risk of serious adverse effects within a range of 26 to 52 weeks' follow-up (RD 0.01, 95% CI -0.03 to 0.04; I² = 35%; eight trials; 621 participants; low-quality evidence according to GRADE) or minor adverse effects within a range of 26 to 96 weeks' follow-up (RD 0.02, 95% CI -0.02 to 0.06; I² = 20%; eight trials; 701 participants; low-quality evidence according to GRADE). Three studies reported health-related quality of life (HRQOL) using different HRQOL scales. One study reported that vitamin D improved ratings on the psychological and social components of the HRQOL scale but had no effects on the physical components. The other two studies found no effect of vitamin D on HRQOL. Two studies reported fatigue using different scales. One study (158 participants) reported that vitamin D₃ reduced fatigue compared with placebo at 26 weeks' follow-up. The other study (71 participants) found no effect on fatigue at 96 weeks' follow-up. Seven studies reported on cytokine levels, four on T-lymphocyte proliferation, and one on matrix metalloproteinase levels, with no consistent pattern of change in these immunological outcomes. The randomised trials included in this review provided no data on time to first treated relapse, number of participants requiring hospitalisation owing to progression of the disease, proportion of participants who remained relapse-free, cognitive function, or psychological symptoms. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS To date, very low-quality evidence suggests no benefit of vitamin D for patient-important outcomes among people with MS. Vitamin D appears to have no effect on recurrence of relapse, worsening of disability measured by the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS), and MRI lesions. Effects on health-related quality of life and fatigue are unclear. Vitamin D₃ at the doses and treatment durations used in the included trials appears to be safe, although available data are limited. Seven ongoing studies will likely provide further evidence that can be included in a future update of this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanitha A Jagannath
- Department of Paediatrics, American Mission Hospital, Manama, Manama, Bahrain, PO Box 1
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Rossi G, Redaelli V, Contiero P, Fabiano S, Tagliabue G, Perego P, Benussi L, Bruni AC, Filippini G, Farinotti M, Giaccone G, Buiatiotis S, Manzoni C, Ferrari R, Tagliavini F. Tau Mutations Serve as a Novel Risk Factor for Cancer. Cancer Res 2018; 78:3731-3739. [PMID: 29794074 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-17-3175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2017] [Revised: 02/23/2018] [Accepted: 05/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In addition to its well-recognized role in neurodegeneration, tau participates in maintenance of genome stability and chromosome integrity. In particular, peripheral cells from patients affected by frontotemporal lobar degeneration carrying a mutation in tau gene (genetic tauopathies), as well as cells from animal models, show chromosome numerical and structural aberrations, chromatin anomalies, and a propensity toward abnormal recombination. As genome instability is tightly linked to cancer development, we hypothesized that mutated tau may be a susceptibility factor for cancer. Here we conducted a retrospective cohort study comparing cancer incidence in families affected by genetic tauopathies to control families. In addition, we carried out a bioinformatics analysis to highlight pathways associated with the tau protein interactome. We report that the risk of developing cancer is significantly higher in families affected by genetic tauopathies, and a high proportion of tau protein interactors are involved in cellular processes particularly relevant to cancer. These findings disclose a novel role of tau as a risk factor for cancer, providing new insights in the various pathologic roles of mutated tau.Significance: This study reveals a novel role for tau as a risk factor for cancer, providing new insights beyond its role in neurodegeneration. Cancer Res; 78(13); 3731-9. ©2018 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giacomina Rossi
- Unit of Neurology V and Neuropathology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milano, Italy.
| | - Veronica Redaelli
- Unit of Neurology V and Neuropathology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milano, Italy
| | - Paolo Contiero
- Environmental Epidemiology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy
| | - Sabrina Fabiano
- Cancer Registry Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy
| | - Giovanna Tagliabue
- Cancer Registry Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy
| | - Paola Perego
- Molecular Pharmacology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milano, Italy
| | - Luisa Benussi
- NeuroBioGen Lab-Memory Clinic, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Amalia C Bruni
- Regional Neurogenetic Centre, ASPCZ, Lamezia Terme, Italy
| | - Graziella Filippini
- Scientific Directorate, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milano, Italy
| | - Mariangela Farinotti
- Neuroepidemiology - Scientific Directorate, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milano, Italy
| | - Giorgio Giaccone
- Unit of Neurology V and Neuropathology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milano, Italy
| | | | - Claudia Manzoni
- School of Pharmacy, University of Reading, Whiteknights, Reading, United Kingdom.,Department of Molecular Neuroscience, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Raffaele Ferrari
- Department of Molecular Neuroscience, UCL Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom
| | - Fabrizio Tagliavini
- Scientific Directorate, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milano, Italy
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Synnot AJ, Hawkins M, Merner BA, Summers MP, Filippini G, Osborne RH, Shapland SD, Cherry CL, Stuckey R, Milne CA, Mosconi P, Colombo C, Hill SJ. Producing an evidence-based treatment information website in partnership with people affected by multiple sclerosis. Health Sci Rep 2018; 1:e24. [PMID: 30623063 PMCID: PMC6266475 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2017] [Revised: 11/29/2017] [Accepted: 12/12/2017] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS In earlier work, we identified that people affected by multiple sclerosis (MS) can have difficulty finding online treatment information that is up to date, trustworthy, understandable, and applicable to personal circumstances, but does not provoke confusion or negative emotional consequences. The objective was to develop online consumer summaries of MS treatment evidence (derived from Cochrane Reviews) that respond to identified treatment information needs of people affected by MS. METHODS A 2-phase mixed-methods project, conducted in partnership with consumers and an MS organisation. Phase 1 included review panels with consumers (Australians affected by MS) and health professionals to test paper-based treatment summaries before development, and pilot testing of the website. Phase 2 involved an online survey after website launch. RESULTS Eighty-three participants (85% affected by MS) took part. Phase 1 participants strongly endorsed key review summary components, including layering information, and additional sections to aid personal applicability. Participants additionally suggested questions for health professionals. Participants across both phases were receptive to the idea of being provided with Cochrane Review summaries online but were seeking other types of evidence and information, such as personal experiences and the latest experimental treatments, which could not be provided. While the small survey sample size (n = 58) limits application of the results to a broader population, the website was viewed favourably, as a useful, understandable, and trustworthy information source. CONCLUSION We describe a partnership approach to developing online evidence-based treatment information, underpinned by an in-depth understanding of consumers' information needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anneliese J. Synnot
- Centre for Health Communication and Participation, School of Psychology and Public HealthLa Trobe UniversityMelbourneAustralia
- Cochrane Australia, School of Public Health and Preventive MedicineMonash UniversityMelbourneAustralia
| | - Melanie Hawkins
- Health Systems Improvement Unit, Centre for Population Health Research, School of Health and Social DevelopmentDeakin UniversityGeelongAustralia
| | - Bronwen A. Merner
- Centre for Health Communication and Participation, School of Psychology and Public HealthLa Trobe UniversityMelbourneAustralia
| | - Michael P. Summers
- Centre for Health Communication and Participation, School of Psychology and Public HealthLa Trobe UniversityMelbourneAustralia
| | - Graziella Filippini
- Cochrane Multiple Sclerosis and Rare Diseases of the Central Nervous System Review Group, Scientific DirectionIRCCS Foundation Neurological Institute Carlo BestaMilanItaly
| | - Richard H. Osborne
- Health Systems Improvement Unit, Centre for Population Health Research, School of Health and Social DevelopmentDeakin UniversityGeelongAustralia
| | | | - Catherine L. Cherry
- Burnet Institute, Department of Infectious DiseasesThe Alfred Hospital and Monash UniversityMelbourneAustralia
- Faculty of Health SciencesUniversity of the WitwatersrandJohannesburgSouth Africa
| | - Rwth Stuckey
- Centre for Ergonomics and Human Factors, School of Psychology and Public HealthLa Trobe UniversityMelbourneAustralia
| | - Catherine A. Milne
- Centre for Values, Ethics and Law in MedicineUniversity of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Paola Mosconi
- Laboratory for Medical Research and Consumer Involvement, Department of Public HealthIRCCS Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario NegriMilanItaly
| | - Cinzia Colombo
- Laboratory for Medical Research and Consumer Involvement, Department of Public HealthIRCCS Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario NegriMilanItaly
| | - Sophie J. Hill
- Centre for Health Communication and Participation, School of Psychology and Public HealthLa Trobe UniversityMelbourneAustralia
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Filippini G. Ocrelizumab appears to reduce relapse and disability in multiple sclerosis but quality of evidence is moderate. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017; 22:215-216. [DOI: 10.1136/ebmed-2017-110721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Essential tremor (ET) is one of the most common movement disorders. The treatment is primarily based on pharmacological agents. Although primidone and propranolol are well established treatments in clinical practice, they can be ineffective in 25% to 55% of patients, and can produce serious adverse events in a large percentage of them. For these reasons, it may be worthwhile evaluating the treatment alternatives for ET. Zonisamide has been suggested as a potentially useful agent for the treatment of ET but there is uncertainty about its efficacy and safety. OBJECTIVES To assess the effect on functional abilities and the safety profile of zonisamide in adults with essential tremor (ET). SEARCH METHODS We carried out a systematic search, without language restrictions to identify all relevant trials. We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, NICE, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) to January 2017. We searched BIOSIS Citation Index (2000 to January 2017) for conference proceedings. We handsearched grey literature and examined the reference lists of identified studies and reviews. SELECTION CRITERIA We included all randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of zonisamide versus placebo or any other treatment. We included studies in which the diagnosis of ET was made according to accepted and validated diagnostic criteria. We excluded studies conducted in patients presenting secondary forms of tremor or reporting only neurophysiological parameters to assess outcomes. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently collected and extracted data using a data collection form. We assessed the risk of bias and the quality of evidence.We used inverse variance methods for continuous outcomes and measurement scales. We compared differences between treatment groups as mean differences. We combined results for dichotomous outcomes using Mantel-Haenszel methods and obtained risk differences to compare treatment groups. We used Review Manager 5 software for data management and analysis. MAIN RESULTS We only considered one study eligible for this review (20 participants). Assessments of risk of bias for most domains were unclear or low. Adverse events were only reported in participants from the zonisamide group, making it possible that they were aware of treatment group assignment. We are uncertain as to the effects of zonisamide on motor tasks (mean difference (MD) -0.00, 95% confidence interval (CI) -1.51 to 1.51, very low-quality evidence) and functional disabilities (MD -0.30, 95% CI -1.23 to 0.63, very low-quality evidence) when compared with placebo. Three participants in the zonisamide group (30%) and two participants in the placebo group (20%) discontinued the treatment and withdrew from the study for any reason (very low-quality evidence), however the increased risk of withdrawal in the zonisamide group was statistically non-significant (risk difference (RD) 0.1, 95% CI -0.28 to 0.48). Six participants in the zonisamide group (60%) and none of the participants in the placebo group (0%) developed adverse events (AEs), with a RD of 0.60 (95% CI 0.28 to 0.92; very low quality evidence). The most common AEs, experienced with zonisamide treatment, were headache, nausea, fatigue, sleepiness, and diarrhoea. Quality of life was not assessed in the study included. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Based on currently available data, there is insufficient evidence to assess the efficacy and safety of zonisamide treatment for ET.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Bruno
- University of CataniaDepartment GF Ingrassia, Section of NeurosciencesCataniaItaly95123
| | - Alessandra Nicoletti
- University of CataniaDepartment GF Ingrassia, Section of NeurosciencesCataniaItaly95123
| | - Graziella Filippini
- Fondazione IRCCS, Istituto Neurologico Carlo BestaScientific Directionvia Celoria, 11MilanItaly20133
| | - Graziella Quattrocchi
- University of CataniaDepartment GF Ingrassia, Section of NeurosciencesCataniaItaly95123
| | - Carlo Colosimo
- Terni University HospitalDepartment of NeurologyTerniItaly05100
| | - Mario Zappia
- University of CataniaDepartment GF Ingrassia, Section of NeurosciencesCataniaItaly95123
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Colais P, Agabiti N, Davoli M, Buttari F, Centonze D, De Fino C, Di Folco M, Filippini G, Francia A, Galgani S, Gasperini C, Giuliani M, Mirabella M, Nociti V, Pozzilli C, Bargagli A. Identifying Relapses in Multiple Sclerosis Patients through Administrative Data: A Validation Study in the Lazio Region, Italy. Neuroepidemiology 2017; 48:171-178. [PMID: 28793295 DOI: 10.1159/000479515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2017] [Accepted: 07/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Relapse is frequently considered an outcome measure of disease activity in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS). The objectives of this study were to identify relapse episodes in patients with MS in the Lazio region using health administrative databases and to evaluate the validity of the algorithm using patients enrolled at MS treatment centers. METHODS MS cases were identified in the period between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2009 using data from regional Health Information Systems (HIS). An algorithm based on HIS was used to identify relapse episodes, and patients recruited at MS centers were used to validate the algorithm. Positive and negative predictive values (PPV, NPV) and the Cohen's kappa coefficient were calculated. RESULTS The overall MS population identified through HIS consisted of 6,094 patients, of whom 67.1% were female and the mean age was 41.5. Among the MS patients identified by the algorithm, 2,242 attended the centers and 3,852 did not. The PPV was 58.9%, the NPV was 76.3%, and the kappa was 0.36. CONCLUSIONS The proposed algorithm based on health administrative databases does not seem to be able to reliably detect relapses; however, it may be a helpful tool to detect healthcare utilization, and therefore to identify the worsening condition of a patient's health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Colais
- Department of Epidemiology, Regional Health Service, Lazio Region, Rome, Italy
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Grande G, Tramacere I, Vetrano DL, Clerici F, Pomati S, Mariani C, Filippini G. Role of anticholinergic burden in primary care patients with first cognitive complaints. Eur J Neurol 2017; 24:950-955. [DOI: 10.1111/ene.13313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2016] [Accepted: 04/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- G. Grande
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences, and Society (NVS); Aging Research Center; Karolinska Institutet; Stockholm University; Stockholm Sweden
- Biomedical and Clinical Sciences Department; Center for Research and Treatment on Cognitive Dysfunctions; ‘Luigi Sacco’ Hospital; University of Milan; Milan Italy
| | - I. Tramacere
- Unit of Neuroepidemiology; Carlo Besta Neurological Institute; I.R.C.C.S. Foundation; Milan Italy
| | - D. L. Vetrano
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences, and Society (NVS); Aging Research Center; Karolinska Institutet; Stockholm University; Stockholm Sweden
- Department of Geriatrics; Catholic University of Rome; Rome Italy
| | - F. Clerici
- Biomedical and Clinical Sciences Department; Center for Research and Treatment on Cognitive Dysfunctions; ‘Luigi Sacco’ Hospital; University of Milan; Milan Italy
| | - S. Pomati
- Biomedical and Clinical Sciences Department; Center for Research and Treatment on Cognitive Dysfunctions; ‘Luigi Sacco’ Hospital; University of Milan; Milan Italy
| | - C. Mariani
- Biomedical and Clinical Sciences Department; Center for Research and Treatment on Cognitive Dysfunctions; ‘Luigi Sacco’ Hospital; University of Milan; Milan Italy
| | - G. Filippini
- Scientific Direction; Carlo Besta Neurological Institute; I.R.C.C.S. Foundation; Milan Italy
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Filippini G, Del Giovane C, Clerico M, Beiki O, Mattoscio M, Piazza F, Fredrikson S, Tramacere I, Scalfari A, Salanti G. Treatment with disease-modifying drugs for people with a first clinical attack suggestive of multiple sclerosis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2017; 4:CD012200. [PMID: 28440858 PMCID: PMC6478290 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd012200.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The treatment of multiple sclerosis has changed over the last 20 years. The advent of disease-modifying drugs in the mid-1990s heralded a period of rapid progress in the understanding and management of multiple sclerosis. With the support of magnetic resonance imaging early diagnosis is possible, enabling treatment initiation at the time of the first clinical attack. As most of the disease-modifying drugs are associated with adverse events, patients and clinicians need to weigh the benefit and safety of the various early treatment options before taking informed decisions. OBJECTIVES 1. to estimate the benefit and safety of disease-modifying drugs that have been evaluated in all studies (randomised or non-randomised) for the treatment of a first clinical attack suggestive of MS compared either with placebo or no treatment;2. to assess the relative efficacy and safety of disease-modifying drugs according to their benefit and safety;3. to estimate the benefit and safety of disease-modifying drugs that have been evaluated in all studies (randomised or non-randomised) for treatment started after a first attack ('early treatment') compared with treatment started after a second attack or at another later time point ('delayed treatment'). SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Multiple Sclerosis and Rare Diseases of the CNS Group Trials Register, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, LILACS, clinicaltrials.gov, the WHO trials registry, and US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reports, and searched for unpublished studies (until December 2016). SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised and observational studies that evaluated one or more drugs as monotherapy in adult participants with a first clinical attack suggestive of MS. We considered evidence on alemtuzumab, azathioprine, cladribine, daclizumab, dimethyl fumarate, fingolimod, glatiramer acetate, immunoglobulins, interferon beta-1b, interferon beta-1a (Rebif®, Avonex®), laquinimod, mitoxantrone, natalizumab, ocrelizumab, pegylated interferon beta-1a, rituximab and teriflunomide. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two teams of three authors each independently selected studies and extracted data. The primary outcomes were disability-worsening, relapses, occurrence of at least one serious adverse event (AE) and withdrawing from the study or discontinuing the drug because of AEs. Time to conversion to clinically definite MS (CDMS) defined by Poser diagnostic criteria, and probability to discontinue the treatment or dropout for any reason were recorded as secondary outcomes. We synthesized study data using random-effects meta-analyses and performed indirect comparisons between drugs. We calculated odds ratios (OR) and hazard ratios (HR) along with relative 95% confidence intervals (CI) for all outcomes. We estimated the absolute effects only for primary outcomes. We evaluated the credibility of the evidence using the GRADE system. MAIN RESULTS We included 10 randomised trials, eight open-label extension studies (OLEs) and four cohort studies published between 2010 and 2016. The overall risk of bias was high and the reporting of AEs was scarce. The quality of the evidence associated with the results ranges from low to very low. Early treatment versus placebo during the first 24 months' follow-upThere was a small, non-significant advantage of early treatment compared with placebo in disability-worsening (6.4% fewer (13.9 fewer to 3 more) participants with disability-worsening with interferon beta-1a (Rebif®) or teriflunomide) and in relapses (10% fewer (20.3 fewer to 2.8 more) participants with relapses with teriflunomide). Early treatment was associated with 1.6% fewer participants with at least one serious AE (3 fewer to 0.2 more). Participants on early treatment were on average 4.6% times (0.3 fewer to 15.4 more) more likely to withdraw from the study due to AEs. This result was mostly driven by studies on interferon beta 1-b, glatiramer acetate and cladribine that were associated with significantly more withdrawals for AEs. Early treatment decreased the hazard of conversion to CDMS (HR 0.53, 95% CI 0.47 to 0.60). Comparing active interventions during the first 24 months' follow-upIndirect comparison of interferon beta-1a (Rebif®) with teriflunomide did not show any difference on reducing disability-worsening (OR 0.84, 95% CI 0.43 to 1.66). We found no differences between the included drugs with respect to the hazard of conversion to CDMS. Interferon beta-1a (Rebif®) and teriflunomide were associated with fewer dropouts because of AEs compared with interferon beta-1b, cladribine and glatiramer acetate (ORs range between 0.03 and 0.29, with substantial uncertainty). Early versus delayed treatmentWe did not find evidence of differences between early and delayed treatments for disability-worsening at a maximum of five years' follow-up (3% fewer participants with early treatment (15 fewer to 11.1 more)). There was important variability across interventions; early treatment with interferon beta-1b considerably reduced the odds of participants with disability-worsening during three and five years' follow-up (OR 0.52, 95% CI 0.32 to 0.84 and OR 0.57, 95% CI 0.36 to 0.89). The early treatment group had 19.6% fewer participants with relapses (26.7 fewer to 12.7 fewer) compared to late treatment at a maximum of five years' follow-up and early treatment decreased the hazard of conversion to CDMS at any follow-up up to 10 years (i.e. over five years' follow-up HR 0.62, 95% CI 0.53 to 0.73). We did not draw any conclusions on long-term serious AEs or discontinuation due to AEs because of inadequacies in the available data both in the included OLEs and cohort studies. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Very low-quality evidence suggests a small and uncertain benefit with early treatment compared with placebo in reducing disability-worsening and relapses. The advantage of early treatment compared with delayed on disability-worsening was heterogeneous depending on the actual drug used and based on very low-quality evidence. Low-quality evidence suggests that the chances of relapse are less with early treatment compared with delayed. Early treatment reduced the hazard of conversion to CDMS compared either with placebo, no treatment or delayed treatment, both in short- and long-term follow-up. Low-quality evidence suggests that early treatment is associated with fewer participants with at least one serious AE compared with placebo. Very low-quality evidence suggests that, compared with placebo, early treatment leads to more withdrawals or treatment discontinuation due to AEs. Difference between drugs on short-term benefit and safety was uncertain because few studies and only indirect comparisons were available. Long-term safety of early treatment is uncertain because of inadequately reported or unavailable data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graziella Filippini
- Fondazione IRCCS, Istituto Neurologico Carlo BestaScientific Directionvia Celoria, 11MilanItaly20133
| | - Cinzia Del Giovane
- University of Modena and Reggio EmiliaCochrane Italy, Department of Diagnostic, Clinical and Public Health MedicineVia del Pozzo 71ModenaItaly41124
| | - Marinella Clerico
- AOU San Luigi GonzagaUniversity of Turin, Division of NeurologyRegione Gonzole, 13OrbassanoItaly10043
| | | | - Miriam Mattoscio
- Imperial College LondonDepartment of Medicine, Division of Brain Sciences, Centre for Neuroscience, Wolfson Neuroscience LaboratoriesDu Cane RoadLondonUKW12 0NN
| | - Federico Piazza
- AOU San Luigi GonzagaUniversity of Turin, Division of NeurologyRegione Gonzole, 13OrbassanoItaly10043
| | - Sten Fredrikson
- Karolinska InstitutetDepartment of Clinical NeuroscienceStockholmSweden17177
| | - Irene Tramacere
- Fondazione IRCCS, Istituto Neurologico Carlo BestaScientific Directionvia Celoria, 11MilanItaly20133
| | - Antonio Scalfari
- Imperial College LondonDepartment of Medicine, Division of Brain Sciences, Centre for Neuroscience, Wolfson Neuroscience LaboratoriesDu Cane RoadLondonUKW12 0NN
| | - Georgia Salanti
- University of BernInstitute of Social and Preventive Medicine (ISPM)Finkenhubelweg 11BernSwitzerland3005
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Essential tremor (ET) is one of the most common movement disorders. The management is primarily based on pharmacological agents and in clinical practice propranolol and primidone are considered the first-line therapy. However, these treatments can be ineffective in 25% to 55% of people and are frequently associated with serious adverse events (AEs). For these reasons, it is worthwhile evaluating other treatments for ET. Topiramate has been suggested as a potentially useful agent for the treatment of ET but there is uncertainty about its efficacy and safety. OBJECTIVES To assess the efficacy and safety of topiramate in the treatment of ET. SEARCH METHODS We carried out a systematic search without language restrictions to identify all relevant trials in the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE (January 1966 to January 2017), Embase (January 1988 to January 2017), National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (1999 to January 2017), ClinicalTrials.gov (1997 to January 2017) and World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP; 2004 to January 2017). We searched BIOSIS Citation Index (2000 to January 2017) for conference proceedings. We handsearched grey literature and the reference lists of identified studies and reviews. SELECTION CRITERIA We included all randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of topiramate versus placebo/open control or any other treatments. We included studies in which the diagnosis of ET was made according to accepted and validated diagnostic criteria. We excluded studies conducted in people presenting with secondary forms of tremor or reporting only neurophysiological parameters to assess outcomes. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently collected and extracted data using a data collection form. We assessed the risk of bias and the quality of evidence. We used a fixed-effect meta-analysis for data synthesis. MAIN RESULTS This review included three trials comparing topiramate to placebo (309 participants). They were all at high overall risk of bias. The quality of evidence ranged from very low to low. Compared to placebo, participants treated with topiramate showed a significant improvement in functional disability and an increased risk of withdrawal (risk ratio (RR) 1.78, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.23 to 2.60). There were more AEs for topiramate-treated participants, particularly paraesthesia, weight loss, appetite decrease and memory difficulty. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS This systematic review highlighted the presence of limited data and very low to low quality evidence to support the apparent efficacy and the occurrence of treatment-limiting AEs in people with ET treated with topiramate. Further research to assess topiramate efficacy and safety on ET is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Bruno
- University of CataniaDepartment GF Ingrassia, Section of NeurosciencesCataniaItaly95123
| | - Alessandra Nicoletti
- University of CataniaDepartment GF Ingrassia, Section of NeurosciencesCataniaItaly95123
| | - Graziella Quattrocchi
- University of CataniaDepartment GF Ingrassia, Section of NeurosciencesCataniaItaly95123
| | - Roberta Allegra
- Policlinico Universitario G. Martino MessinaDepartment of Neurological SciencesVia Consolare ValeriaMessinaItaly90100
| | - Graziella Filippini
- Fondazione IRCCS, Istituto Neurologico Carlo BestaScientific Directionvia Celoria, 11MilanItaly20133
| | - Carlo Colosimo
- Terni University HospitalDepartment of NeurologyTerniItaly05100
| | - Mario Zappia
- University of CataniaDepartment GF Ingrassia, Section of NeurosciencesCataniaItaly95123
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Essential tremor is one of the most common movement disorders. Treatment primarily consists of pharmacological agents. While primidone and propranolol are well-established treatments in clinical practice, they may be ineffective in 25% to 55% of patients and can produce serious adverse events in a large percentage of them. For these reasons, it is worth evaluating the treatment alternatives for essential tremor. Some specialists have suggested that pregabalin could be a potentially useful agent, but there is uncertainty about its efficacy and safety. OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of pregabalin versus placebo or other treatment for essential tremor in adults. SEARCH METHODS We performed a systematic search without language restrictions to identify all relevant trials up to December 2015. We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, Embase, NICE, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP). We handsearched grey literature and examined the reference lists of identified studies and reviews. SELECTION CRITERIA We included all randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of pregabalin versus placebo or any other treatments. We included studies in which the diagnosis of ET was made according to accepted and validated diagnostic criteria. We excluded studies conducted in patients presenting secondary forms of tremor or reporting only neurophysiological parameters to assess outcomes. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two reviewers independently collected and extracted data using a data collection form. We assessed the risk of bias of the body of evidence, and we used inverse variance methods to analyse continuous outcomes and measurement scales. We compared the mean difference between treatment groups, and we combined results for dichotomous outcomes using Mantel-Haenszel methods and risk differences We used Review Manager software for data management and analysis. MAIN RESULTS We only found one study eligible for this review (22 participants). We assessed the risk of bias for most domains as unclear. We graded the overall quality of evidence as very low. Compared to placebo, patients treated with pregabalin showed no significant improvement of motor tasks on the 36-point subscale of the Fahn-Tolosa-Marin Tremor Rating Scale (TRS) (MD -2.15 points; 95% CI -9.16 to 4.86) or on the 32-point functional abilities subscale of the TRS (MD -0.66 points; 95% CI -2.90 to 1.58).The limited evidence showed no difference in study withdrawal (Mantel-Haenszel RD -0.09; 95% CI -0.48 to 0.30) and presentation of adverse events between pregabalin and placebo (Mantel-Haenszel RD 0.18; 95% CI -0.13 to 0.50). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS The effects of pregabalin for treating essential tremor are uncertain because the quality of the evidence is very low. One small study did not highlight any effect of this treatment; however, the high risk of bias and the lack of other studies on this topic limit further conclusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Bruno
- Department GF Ingrassia,Section of Neurosciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy, 95123
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Synnot AJ, Hill SJ, Garner KA, Summers MP, Filippini G, Osborne RH, Shapland SD, Colombo C, Mosconi P. Online health information seeking: how people with multiple sclerosis find, assess and integrate treatment information to manage their health. Health Expect 2016; 19:727-37. [PMID: 25165024 PMCID: PMC5055229 DOI: 10.1111/hex.12253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE The Internet is increasingly prominent as a source of health information for people with multiple sclerosis (MS). But there has been little exploration of the needs, experiences and preferences of people with MS for integrating treatment information into decision making, in the context of searching on the Internet. This was the aim of our study. DESIGN Sixty participants (51 people with MS; nine family members) took part in a focus group or online forum. They were asked to describe how they find and assess reliable treatment information (particularly online) and how this changes over time. Thematic analysis was underpinned by a coding frame. RESULTS Participants described that there was both too much information online and too little that applied to them. They spoke of wariness and scepticism but also empowerment. The availability of up-to-date and unbiased treatment information, including practical and lifestyle-related information, was important to many. Many participants were keen to engage in a 'research partnership' with health professionals and developed a range of strategies to enhance the trustworthiness of online information. We use the term 'self-regulation' to capture the variations in information seeking behaviour that participants described over time, as they responded to their changing information needs, their emotional state and growing expertise about MS. CONCLUSIONS People with MS have developed a number of strategies to both find and integrate treatment information from a range of sources. Their reflections informed the development of an evidence-based consumer web site based on summaries of MS Cochrane reviews.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anneliese J. Synnot
- Centre for Health Communication and ParticipationDepartment of Public HealthSchool of Public Health and Human BiosciencesLa Trobe UniversityMelbourneVic.Australia
| | - Sophie J. Hill
- Centre for Health Communication and ParticipationDepartment of Public HealthSchool of Public Health and Human BiosciencesLa Trobe UniversityMelbourneVic.Australia
| | - Kerryn A. Garner
- Centre for Health Communication and ParticipationDepartment of Public HealthSchool of Public Health and Human BiosciencesLa Trobe UniversityMelbourneVic.Australia
| | - Michael P. Summers
- Centre for Health Communication and ParticipationDepartment of Public HealthSchool of Public Health and Human BiosciencesLa Trobe UniversityMelbourneVic.Australia
| | - Graziella Filippini
- Cochrane Multiple Sclerosis and Rare Diseases of the Central Nervous System Review GroupUnit of NeuroepidemiologyFondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico, C. BestaMilanItaly
| | - Richard H. Osborne
- Public Health InnovationPopulation Health Strategic Research CentreSchool of Health and Social DevelopmentDeakin UniversityMelbourneVic.Australia
| | | | - Cinzia Colombo
- Laboratory for medical research and consumer involvementDepartment of Public HealthIRCSS‐Mario NegriInstitute for Pharmacological ResearchMilanItaly
| | - Paola Mosconi
- Laboratory for medical research and consumer involvementDepartment of Public HealthIRCSS‐Mario NegriInstitute for Pharmacological ResearchMilanItaly
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Tramacere I, Benedetti MD, Capobussi M, Castellini G, Citterio A, Del Giovane C, Frau S, Gonzalez-Lorenzo M, La Mantia L, Moja L, Nuzzo S, Filippini G. Adverse effects of immunotherapies for multiple sclerosis: a network meta-analysis. Hippokratia 2016. [DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd012186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Irene Tramacere
- Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta; Neuroepidemiology Unit; Via Giovanni Celoria, 11 Milan Italy 20133
| | - Maria Donata Benedetti
- Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Integrata; UOC Neurologia B - Policlinico Borgo Roma; Piazzale La Scuro , 10 Verona Verona Italy 37135
| | - Matteo Capobussi
- University of Milan; Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health; Via Pascal, 36 Milan Italy 20100
| | - Greta Castellini
- University of Milan; Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health; Via Pascal, 36 Milan Italy 20100
- IRCCS Galeazzi Orthopaedic Institute; Unit of Clinical Epidemiology; Milan Italy
| | - Antonietta Citterio
- IRCCS National Neurological Institute C. Mondino; Scientific Direction; Via Mondino 2 Pavia Italy 27100
| | - Cinzia Del Giovane
- University of Modena and Reggio Emilia; Italian Cochrane Centre, Department of Diagnostic, Clinical and Public Health Medicine; Modena Italy
| | | | - Marien Gonzalez-Lorenzo
- University of Milan; Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health; Via Pascal, 36 Milan Italy 20100
| | - Loredana La Mantia
- IRCCS. Santa Maria Nascente - Fondazione Don Gnocchi; Unit of Neurorehabilitation - Multiple Sclerosis Center; Via Capecelatro, 66 Milan Italy 20148
| | - Lorenzo Moja
- University of Milan; Department of Biomedical Sciences for Health; Via Pascal, 36 Milan Italy 20100
- IRCCS Galeazzi Orthopaedic Institute; Clinical Epidemiology Unit; Milan Italy
| | - Sara Nuzzo
- Fondazione IRCCS. Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta; Via Celoria, 11 Milan Italy 20133
| | - Graziella Filippini
- Fondazione IRCCS. Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta; Scientific Direction; via Celoria, 11 Milan Italy 20133
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Fingolimod was approved in 2010 for the treatment of patients with the relapsing-remitting (RR) form of multiple sclerosis (MS). It was designed to reduce the frequency of exacerbations and to delay disability worsening. Issues on its safety and efficacy, mainly as compared to other disease modifying drugs (DMDs), have been raised. OBJECTIVES To assess the safety and benefit of fingolimod versus placebo, or other disease-modifying drugs (DMDs), in reducing disease activity in people with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Multiple Sclerosis and Rare Diseases of the Central Nervous System (CNS) Group's Specialised Trials Register and US Food and Drug Administration reports (15 February 2016). SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the beneficial and harmful effects of fingolimod versus placebo or other approved DMDs in people with RRMS. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We used standard methodological procedures as expected by Cochrane. MAIN RESULTS Six RCTs met our selection criteria. The overall population included 5152 participants; 1621 controls and 3531 treated with fingolimod at different doses; 2061 with 0.5 mg, 1376 with 1.25 mg, and 94 with 5.0 mg daily. Among the controls, 923 participants were treated with placebo and 698 with others DMDs. The treatment duration was six months in three, 12 months in one, and 24 months in two trials. One study was at high risk of bias for blinding, three studies were at high risk of bias for incomplete outcome reporting, and four studies were at high risk of bias for other reasons (co-authors were affiliated with the pharmaceutical company). We retrieved 10 ongoing trials; four of them have been completed.Comparing fingolimod administered at the approved dose of 0.5 mg to placebo, we found that the drug at 24 months increased the probability of being relapse-free (risk ratio (RR) 1.44, 95% confidence interval (CI) (1.28 to 1.63); moderate quality of evidence), but it might lead to little or no difference in preventing disability progression (RR 1.07, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.11; primary clinical endpoints; low quality evidence). Benefit was observed for other measures of inflammatory disease activity including clinical (annualised relapse rate): rate ratio 0.50, 95% CI 0.40 to 0.62; moderate quality evidence; and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) activity (gadolinium-enhancing lesions): RR of being free from (MRI) gadolinium-enhancing lesions: 1.36, 95% CI 1.27 to 1.45; low quality evidence.The mean change of MRI T2-weighted lesion load favoured fingolimod at 12 and 24 months.No significant increased risk of discontinuation due to adverse events was observed for fingolimod 0.5 mg compared to placebo at six and 24 months. The risk of fingolimod discontinuation was significantly higher compared to placebo for the dose 1.25 mg at 24 months (RR 1.93, 95% CI 1.48 to 2.52).No significant increased risk of discontinuation due to serious adverse events was observed for fingolimod 0.5 mg compared to placebo at six and 24 months. A significant increased risk of discontinuation due to serious adverse events was found for fingolimod 5.0 mg (RR 2.77, 95% CI 1.04 to 7.38) compared to placebo at six months.Comparing fingolimod 0.5 mg to intramuscular interferon beta-1a, we found moderate quality evidence that the drug at one year slightly increased the number of participants free from relapse (RR 1.18, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.27) or from gadolinium-enhancing lesions (RR 1.12, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.19), and decreased the relapse rate (rate ratio 0.48, 95% CI 0.34 to 0.70). We did not detect any advantage for preventing disability progression (RR 1.02, 95% CI 0.99 to 1.06; low quality evidence). We did not detect any significant difference for MRI T2-weighted lesion load change.We found a greater likelihood of participants discontinuing fingolimod, as compared to other DMDs, due to adverse events in the short-term (six months) (RR 3.21, 95% CI 1.16 to 8.86), but there was no significant difference versus interferon beta-1a at 12 months (RR 1.51, 95% CI 0.81 to 2.80; moderate quality evidence). A higher incidence of adverse events was suggestive of the lower tolerability rate of fingolimod compared to interferon-beta 1a.Quality of life was improved in participants after switching from a different DMD to fingolimod at six months, but this effect was not found compared to placebo at 24 months.All studies were sponsored by Novartis Pharma. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Treatment with fingolimod compared to placebo in RRMS patients is effective in reducing inflammatory disease activity, but it may lead to little or no difference in preventing disability worsening. The risk of withdrawals due to adverse events requires careful monitoring of patients over time. The evidence on the risk/benefit profile of fingolimod compared with intramuscular interferon beta-1a was uncertain, based on a low number of head-to-head RCTs with short follow-up duration. The ongoing trial results will possibly satisfy these issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loredana La Mantia
- Unit of Neurorehabilitation - Multiple Sclerosis Center, I.R.C.C.S. Santa Maria Nascente - Fondazione Don Gnocchi, Via Capecelatro, 66, Milano, Italy, 20148
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Colombo C, Filippini G, Synnot A, Hill S, Guglielmino R, Traversa S, Confalonieri P, Mosconi P, Tramacere I. Development and assessment of a website presenting evidence-based information for people with multiple sclerosis: the IN-DEEP project. BMC Neurol 2016; 16:30. [PMID: 26934873 PMCID: PMC4776365 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-016-0552-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2015] [Accepted: 02/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background People with multiple sclerosis (MS) are increasingly using the Internet in the daily management of their condition. They search for high-quality information in plain language, from independent sources, based on reliable and up-to-date evidence. The Integrating and Deriving Evidence, Experiences and Preferences (IN-DEEP) project in Italy and Australia aimed to provide people with MS and family members with an online source of evidence-based information, starting from their information needs. This paper reports on the Italian project’s website. Methods Contents, layout and wording were developed with people with MS and pilot-tested. The website was evaluated using an online 29-item questionnaire for ease of language, contents, navigation, and usefulness of information aimed at people with MS, family members and the general population. Results The website (http://indeep.istituto-besta.it/) is structured in multiple levels of information. The first topic was interferons-β for people with relapsing-remitting MS. In all, 433 people responded to the survey (276 people with MS, 68 family members and 89 others). The mean age was 45 years, almost 90 % had a high school diploma, about 80 % had relapsing-remitting MS, and the median disease duration was seven years. About 90 % judged the website clear, understandable, useful, and easy to navigate. Ninety percent of people with MS and family members would recommend it to others. Sixty-two percent reported they felt confident in making decisions on interferons-β after reading the website. Conclusions The model was judged clear and useful. It could be adapted to other topics and diseases. Clinicians may find it useful in their relationship with patients. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12883-016-0552-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cinzia Colombo
- Department of Public Health, Laboratory for medical research and consumer involvement, IRCCS Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research, via la Masa 19, 20156, Milan, Italy.
| | - Graziella Filippini
- Scientific Direction, Neurological Institute C. Besta IRCCS Foundation, via G. Celoria 11, 20133, Milan, Italy. .,Cochrane Multiple Sclerosis and Rare Diseases of the Central Nervous System Review Group, Neurological Institute C. Besta IRCCS Foundation, via G. Celoria 11, 20133, Milan, Italy.
| | - Anneliese Synnot
- Centre for Health Communication and Participation, School of Psychology and Public Health, College of Science, Health and Engineering, La Trobe University, Plenty Road & Kingsbury Drive, Melbourne, Victoria, 3086, Australia. .,National Trauma Research Institute, Monash University/The Alfred, Level 4, 89 Commercial Road Melbourne, Melbourne, 3004, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Sophie Hill
- Centre for Health Communication and Participation, School of Psychology and Public Health, College of Science, Health and Engineering, La Trobe University, Plenty Road & Kingsbury Drive, Melbourne, Victoria, 3086, Australia.
| | - Roberta Guglielmino
- Scientific Research Area, Italian Multiple Sclerosis Foundation (FISM), Via Operai 40, 16149, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Silvia Traversa
- Scientific Research Area, Italian Multiple Sclerosis Foundation (FISM), Via Operai 40, 16149, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Paolo Confalonieri
- Department of Neuroimmunology, Neurological Institute C. Besta IRCCS Foundation, Via G. Celoria 11, 20133, Milan, Italy.
| | - Paola Mosconi
- Department of Public Health, Laboratory for medical research and consumer involvement, IRCCS Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research, via la Masa 19, 20156, Milan, Italy.
| | - Irene Tramacere
- Unit of Neuroepidemiology, Cochrane Multiple Sclerosis and Rare Diseases of the Central Nervous System Review Group, Neurological Institute C. Besta IRCCS Foundation, Via G. Celoria 11, 20133, Milan, Italy.
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Bargagli AM, Colais P, Agabiti N, Mayer F, Buttari F, Centonze D, Di Folco M, Filippini G, Francia A, Galgani S, Gasperini C, Giuliani M, Mirabella M, Nociti V, Pozzilli C, Davoli M. Prevalence of multiple sclerosis in the Lazio region, Italy: use of an algorithm based on health information systems. J Neurol 2016; 263:751-9. [PMID: 26886201 PMCID: PMC4826660 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-016-8049-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2015] [Revised: 01/22/2016] [Accepted: 01/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Compared with other areas of the country, very limited data are available on multiple sclerosis (MS) prevalence in Central Italy. We aimed to estimate MS prevalence in the Lazio region and its geographical distribution using regional health information systems (HIS). To identify MS cases we used data from drug prescription, hospital discharge and ticket exemption registries. Crude, age- and gender-specific prevalence estimates on December 31, 2011 were calculated. To compare MS prevalence between different areas within the region, we calculated age- and gender-adjusted prevalence and prevalence ratios using a multivariate Poisson regression model. Crude prevalence rate was 130.5/100,000 (95 % CI 127.5–133.5): 89.7/100,000 for males and 167.9/100,000 for females. The overall prevalence rate standardized to the European Standard Population was 119.6/100,000 (95 % CI 116.8–122.4). We observed significant differences in MS prevalence within the region, with estimates ranging from 96.3 (95 % CI 86.4–107.3) for Latina to 169.6 (95 % CI 147.6–194.9) for Rieti. Most districts close to the coast showed lower prevalence estimates compared to those situated in the eastern mountainous area of the region. In conclusion, this study produced a MS prevalence estimate at regional level using population-based health administrative databases. Our results showed the Lazio region is a high-risk area for MS, although with an uneven geographical distribution. While some limitations must be considered including possible prevalence underestimation, HIS represent a valuable source of information to measure the burden of SM, useful for epidemiological surveillance and healthcare planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Maria Bargagli
- Department of Epidemiology, Lazio Regional Health Service, Via Cristoforo Colombo 112, 00142, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Colais
- Department of Epidemiology, Lazio Regional Health Service, Via Cristoforo Colombo 112, 00142, Rome, Italy
| | - Nera Agabiti
- Department of Epidemiology, Lazio Regional Health Service, Via Cristoforo Colombo 112, 00142, Rome, Italy.
| | - Flavia Mayer
- Department of Epidemiology, Lazio Regional Health Service, Via Cristoforo Colombo 112, 00142, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabio Buttari
- MS Clinical and Research Center, Tor Vergata University and Hospital, Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy.,IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Mediterraneo (INM) Neuromed, Via Atinense 18, 86077, Pozzilli, Isernia, Italy
| | - Diego Centonze
- MS Clinical and Research Center, Tor Vergata University and Hospital, Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy.,IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Mediterraneo (INM) Neuromed, Via Atinense 18, 86077, Pozzilli, Isernia, Italy
| | - Marta Di Folco
- Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, Sapienza University, Viale Dell'Università 30, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Graziella Filippini
- Unit of Neuroepidemiology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Besta, Via Celoria 11, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - Ada Francia
- Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, Sapienza University, Viale Dell'Università 30, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Simonetta Galgani
- Department of Neurosciences, S Camillo Forlanini Hospital, Circonvallazione Gianicolense 87, 00152, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Gasperini
- Department of Neurosciences, S Camillo Forlanini Hospital, Circonvallazione Gianicolense 87, 00152, Rome, Italy
| | - Manuela Giuliani
- Multiple Sclerosis Center, S Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University, Via di Grottarossa 1037, 00189, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Mirabella
- Multiple Sclerosis Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, Catholic University, Largo Agostino Gemelli 8, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Viviana Nociti
- Multiple Sclerosis Center, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, Catholic University, Largo Agostino Gemelli 8, 00168, Rome, Italy.,Institute of Neurorehabilitation, Don C Gnocchi Foundation, Via Pier Alessandro Paravia 71, 20148, Milan, Italy
| | - Carlo Pozzilli
- Multiple Sclerosis Center, S Andrea Hospital, Sapienza University, Via di Grottarossa 1037, 00189, Rome, Italy
| | - Marina Davoli
- Department of Epidemiology, Lazio Regional Health Service, Via Cristoforo Colombo 112, 00142, Rome, Italy
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Abstract
CLINICAL QUESTION What immunotherapies for multiple sclerosis are associated with the greatest benefit and highest risk of discontinuation due to adverse events in patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis? BOTTOM LINE Alemtuzumab, natalizumab, and fingolimod were associated with the greatest benefit with regard to relapse prevention. Their association with prevention of disability worsening was unclear. Fingolimod was associated with a high risk of treatment discontinuation due to adverse events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Tramacere
- Neuroepidemiology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Cinzia Del Giovane
- Italian Cochrane Centre, Department of Diagnostic, Clinical and Public Health Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Graziella Filippini
- Scientific Direction, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Essential tremor (ET) is one of the most common movement disorders. Treatment is based primarily on pharmacological agents. On this basis, although primidone and propranolol are well-established treatments in clinical practice, they could be ineffective in 25% to 55% of patients and can produce serious adverse events (AEs) in a large percentage of individuals. For these reasons, evaluating treatment alternatives for ET may be a worthwhile pursuit. Alprazolam has been suggested as a potentially useful agent for treatment of individuals with ET, but its efficacy and safety are uncertain. OBJECTIVES PrimaryTo assess the efficacy and safety of alprazolam in the treatment of individuals with ET. SecondaryTo examine effects of alprazolam treatment on the quality of life of people with ET. SEARCH METHODS We carried out a systematic search without language restrictions to identify all relevant trials. We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE (January 1966 to September 2015), EMBASE (January 1988 to September 2015), the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) (1999 to September 2015), ClinicalTrials.gov (1997 to September 2015) and the World Health Organiza tion (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) (2004 to September 2015). We handsearched grey literature and examined the reference lists of identified studies and reviews. SELECTION CRITERIA We included all randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of alprazolam versus placebo or any other treatment. We included studies in which ET was diagnosed according to accepted and validated diagnostic criteria. We excluded studies that included patients presenting with secondary forms of tremor or reporting only neurophysiological parameters for the pur p ose of assessing outcomes. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently collected and extracted data using a data collection form. We assessed risk of bias and the body of evidence. We used inverse variance methods for continuous outcomes and measurement scales. We compared differences between treatment groups as mean differences. We used Review Manager software for management and analysis of data. MAIN RESULTS We included in this review one trial that compared alprazolam versus placebo (24 participants). It was judged to have high overall risk of bias. We graded the overall quality of evidence as very low. Compared with those given placebo, participants treated with alprazolam showed a significant reduction in tremor severity (mean difference (MD) -0.75, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.83 to -0.67). Nine alprazolam-treated participants (75%) developed AEs, mainly represented by sedation (50%), constipation (17%) and dry mouth (9%). No participants in the alprazolam group and no p articipants in the placebo group discontinued treatment and dropped out of the study. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Currently available data reveal evidence insufficient for assessment of the efficacy and safety of alprazolam treatment for individuals with ET.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Bruno
- Department GF Ingrassia,Section of Neurosciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy, 95123
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Tramacere I, Dalla Bella E, Chiò A, Mora G, Filippini G, Lauria G. The MITOS system predicts long-term survival in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2015; 86:1180-5. [PMID: 25886781 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2014-310176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2014] [Accepted: 03/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The choice of adequate proxy for long-term survival, the ultimate outcome in randomised clinical trials (RCT) assessing disease-modifying treatments for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), is a key issue. The intrinsic limitations of the ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised (ALSFRS-R), including non-linearity, multidimensionality and floor-effect, have emerged and its usefulness argued. The ALS Milano-Torino staging (ALS-MITOS) system was proposed as a novel tool to measure the progression of ALS and overcome these limitations. This study was performed to validate the ALS-MITOS as a 6-month proxy of survival in 200 ALS patients followed up to 18 months. METHODS Analyses were performed on data from the recombinant human erythropoietin RCT that failed to demonstrate differences between groups for both primary and secondary outcomes. The ALS-MITOS system is composed of four key domains included in the ALSFRS-R scale (walking/self-care, swallowing, communicating and breathing), each with a threshold reflecting the loss of function in the specific ALSFRS-R subscores. Sensitivity, specificity and the area under the curve of the receiver operating characteristic curves of the ALS-MITOS system stages and ALSFRS-R decline at 6 months were calculated and compared with the primary outcome (survival, tracheotomy or >23-hour non-invasive ventilation) at 12 and 18 months Predicted probabilities of the ALS-MITO system at 6 months for any event at 12 and 18 months were computed through logistic regression models. RESULTS Disease progression from baseline to 6 months as defined by the ALS-MITOS system predicted death, tracheotomy or >23-hour non-invasive ventilation at 12 months with 82% sensitivity (95% CI 71% to 93%, n=37/45) and 63% specificity (95% CI 55% to 71%, n=92/146), and at 18 months with 71% sensitivity (95% CI 61% to 82%, n=50/70) and 68% specificity (95% CI 60% to 77%, n=76/111). The analysis of ALS-MITOS and ALSFRS-R progression at 6-month follow-up showed that the best cut-off to predict survival at 12 and 18 months was 1 for the ALS-MITOS (ie, loss of at least one function) and a decline ranging from 6 to 9 points for the ALSFRS-R. CONCLUSIONS The ALS-MITOS system can reliably predict the course of ALS up to 18 months and can be considered a novel and valid outcome measure in RCTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Tramacere
- Neuroepidemiology Unit, IRCCS Foundation, "Carlo Besta" Neurological Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Eleonora Dalla Bella
- 3rd Neurology Unit, Motor Neuron Diseases Centre, IRCCS Foundation, "Carlo Besta" Neurological Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Adriano Chiò
- Department of Neurosciences, ALS Centre, "Rita Levi Montalcini", University of Turin and Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Città della Salute e della Scienza, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Graziella Filippini
- Neuroepidemiology Unit, IRCCS Foundation, "Carlo Besta" Neurological Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Lauria
- 3rd Neurology Unit, Motor Neuron Diseases Centre, IRCCS Foundation, "Carlo Besta" Neurological Institute, Milan, Italy
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Tramacere I, Del Giovane C, Salanti G, D'Amico R, Filippini G. Immunomodulators and immunosuppressants for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: a network meta-analysis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2015; 2015:CD011381. [PMID: 26384035 PMCID: PMC9235409 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd011381.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Different therapeutic strategies are available for the treatment of people with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), including immunomodulators, immunosuppressants and biologics. Although there is consensus that these therapies reduce the frequency of relapses, their relative benefit in delaying new relapses or disability worsening remains unclear due to the limited number of direct comparison trials. OBJECTIVES To compare the benefit and acceptability of interferon beta-1b, interferon beta-1a (Avonex, Rebif), glatiramer acetate, natalizumab, mitoxantrone, fingolimod, teriflunomide, dimethyl fumarate, alemtuzumab, pegylated interferon beta-1a, daclizumab, laquinimod, azathioprine and immunoglobulins for the treatment of people with RRMS and to provide a ranking of these treatments according to their benefit and acceptability, defined as the proportion of participants who withdrew due to any adverse event. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Multiple Sclerosis and Rare Diseases of the CNS Group Trials Register, which contains trials from CENTRAL (2014, Issue 9), MEDLINE (1966 to 2014), EMBASE (1974 to 2014), CINAHL (1981 to 2014), LILACS (1982 to 2014), clinicaltrials.gov and the WHO trials registry, and US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reports. We ran the most recent search in September 2014. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that studied one or more of the 15 treatments as monotherapy, compared to placebo or to another active agent, for use in adults with RRMS. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two authors independently identified studies from the search results and performed data extraction. We performed data synthesis by pairwise meta-analysis and network meta-analysis. We assessed the quality of the body of evidence for outcomes within the network meta-analysis according to GRADE, as very low, low, moderate or high. MAIN RESULTS We included 39 studies in this review, in which 25,113 participants were randomised. The majority of the included trials were short-term studies, with a median duration of 24 months. Twenty-four (60%) were placebo-controlled and 15 (40%) were head-to-head studies.Network meta-analysis showed that, in terms of a protective effect against the recurrence of relapses in RRMS during the first 24 months of treatment, alemtuzumab, mitoxantrone, natalizumab, and fingolimod outperformed other drugs. The most effective drug was alemtuzumab (risk ratio (RR) versus placebo 0.46, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.38 to 0.55; surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) 96%; moderate quality evidence), followed by mitoxantrone (RR 0.47, 95% CI 0.27 to 0.81; SUCRA 92%; very low quality evidence), natalizumab (RR 0.56, 95% CI 0.47 to 0.66; SUCRA 88%; high quality evidence), and fingolimod (RR 0.72, 95% CI 0.64 to 0.81; SUCRA 71%; moderate quality evidence).Disability worsening was based on a surrogate marker, defined as irreversible worsening confirmed at three-month follow-up, measured during the first 24 months in the majority of included studies. Both direct and indirect comparisons revealed that the most effective treatments were mitoxantrone (RR versus placebo 0.20, 95% CI 0.05 to 0.84; SUCRA 96%; low quality evidence), alemtuzumab (RR 0.35, 95% CI 0.26 to 0.48; SUCRA 94%; low quality evidence), and natalizumab (RR 0.64, 95% CI 0.49 to 0.85; SUCRA 74%; moderate quality evidence).Almost all of the agents included in this review were associated with a higher proportion of participants who withdrew due to any adverse event compared to placebo. Based on the network meta-analysis methodology, the corresponding RR estimates versus placebo over the first 24 months of follow-up were: mitoxantrone 9.92 (95% CI 0.54 to 168.84), fingolimod 1.69 (95% CI 1.32 to 2.17), natalizumab 1.53 (95% CI 0.93 to 2.53), and alemtuzumab 0.72 (95% CI 0.32 to 1.61).Information on serious adverse events (SAEs) was scanty, characterised by heterogeneous results and based on a very low number of events observed during the short-term duration of the trials included in this review. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Conservative interpretation of these results is warranted, since most of the included treatments have been evaluated in few trials. The GRADE approach recommends providing implications for practice based on moderate to high quality evidence. Our review shows that alemtuzumab, natalizumab, and fingolimod are the best choices for preventing clinical relapses in people with RRMS, but this evidence is limited to the first 24 months of follow-up. For the prevention of disability worsening in the short term (24 months), only natalizumab shows a beneficial effect on the basis of moderate quality evidence (all of the other estimates were based on low to very low quality evidence). Currently, therefore, insufficient evidence is available to evaluate treatments for the prevention of irreversible disability worsening.There are two additional major concerns that have to be considered. First, the benefit of all of these treatments beyond two years is uncertain and this is a relevant issue for a disease with a duration of 30 to 40 years. Second, short-term trials provide scanty and poorly reported safety data and do not provide useful evidence in order to obtain a reliable risk profile of treatments. In order to provide long-term information on the safety of the treatments included in this review, it will be necessary also to evaluate non-randomised studies and post-marketing reports released from the regulatory agencies. Finally, more than 70% of the studies included in this review were sponsored by pharmaceutical companies and this may have influenced the results.There are three needs that the research agenda should address. First, randomised trials of direct comparisons between active agents would be useful, avoiding further placebo-controlled studies. Second, follow-up of the original trial cohorts should be mandatory. Third, more studies are needed to assess the medium and long-term benefit and safety of immunotherapies and the comparative safety of different agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Tramacere
- Neuroepidemiology Unit, Fondazione I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Via Giovanni Celoria, 11, Milano, Italy, 20133
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Benedetti MD, Pugliatti M, D''Alessandro R, Beghi E, Chiò A, Logroscino G, Filippini G, Galeotti F, Massari M, Santuccio C, Raschetti R. A Multicentric Prospective Incidence Study of Guillain-Barré Syndrome in Italy. The ITANG Study. Neuroepidemiology 2015; 45:90-9. [DOI: 10.1159/000438752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2015] [Accepted: 07/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: To assess Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) incidence we relied on the Italian Network for the study of GBS (ITANG) established in 2010 in 7 Italian regions to analyse the association between influenza vaccination and GBS. Methods: All individuals aged ≥18 years, presenting with clinical manifestations that suggested GBS according to the universally accepted Asbury's diagnostic criteria (1990) were prospectively notified to a centralised database by ITANG neurologists over the period October 1, 2010-September 30, 2011. Through a telephone survey, 9 trained interviewers followed up the cases to diagnosis and then for 1 year since hospital discharge. Validation of case reporting was performed with the support of administrative data in 5 regions. Results: We found 365 cases fulfilling the definition for GBS or one of its variants over 19,846,068 population ≥18 years of age, yielding an annual incidence rate of 1.84 per 100,000 (95% CI 1.65-2.03), 2.30 (95% CI 1.99-2.60) in men and 1.41 (95% CI 1.18-1.64) in women. A highly significant peak of incidence was observed in February 2011 as compared to reference month (September 2011, rate ratio 3.3:1, p < 0.01). Conclusions: In Italy, GBS incidence was among the highest reported in Europe and higher than previously observed in Italian studies.
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Pedotti R, Losappio L, Farinotti M, Preziosi D, Tramacere I, Stafylaraki C, Mascheri A, Filippini G, Pastorello EA. Accuracy of a questionnaire for identifying respiratory allergies in epidemiological studies. Rhinology 2015. [PMID: 25756078 DOI: 10.4193/rhin14.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The assessment of allergic asthma (AA) and allergic rhinitis (AR) in epidemiological studies is often challenging. We performed a cross-sectional study to test the accuracy of a Questionnaire aimed at Identifying subjects with Respiratory Allergy (QIRA) in a simple and fast way. METHODS One hundred-thirty subjects, 18-76 years of age, admitted consecutively at the Allergy Center of the Niguarda Ca` Granda Hospital of Milan were included. The questionnaire (index test) investigated the presence of AA and AR with seven questions enquiring history of symptoms, diagnosis made by a doctor, allergy tests performed, and treatments. After completing the questionnaire, all subjects were subsequently diagnosed by an allergist (reference standard). RESULTS The accuracy of the questionnaire for the diagnosis of AA and AR was high (sensitivity 94.7% [95% confidence interval CI: 74.0-99.9] and specificity 99.1% [95% CI 95.1-100.0] for AA; sensitivity 82.8% [95% CI 71.3-91.1] and specificity 98.5% [95% CI 91.8-100.0] for AR). CONCLUSION The questionnaire significantly distinguished subjects with respiratory allergy from those without. The QIRA represents a valid and accurate tool for classifying subjects as having or not AA and/or AR in epidemiological studies.
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Lauria G, Dalla Bella E, Antonini G, Borghero G, Capasso M, Caponnetto C, Chiò A, Corbo M, Eleopra R, Fazio R, Filosto M, Giannini F, Granieri E, La Bella V, Logroscino G, Mandrioli J, Mazzini L, Monsurrò MR, Mora G, Pietrini V, Quatrale R, Rizzi R, Salvi F, Siciliano G, Sorarù G, Volanti P, Tramacere I, Filippini G. Erythropoietin in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: a multicentre, randomised, double blind, placebo controlled, phase III study. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2015; 86:879-86. [PMID: 25595151 PMCID: PMC4515982 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2014-308996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2014] [Accepted: 09/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the efficacy of recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). METHODS Patients with probable laboratory-supported, probable or definite ALS were enrolled by 25 Italian centres and randomly assigned (1:1) to receive intravenous rhEPO 40,000 IU or placebo fortnightly as add-on treatment to riluzole 100 mg daily for 12 months. The primary composite outcome was survival, tracheotomy or >23 h non-invasive ventilation (NIV). Secondary outcomes were ALSFRS-R, slow vital capacity (sVC) and quality of life (ALSAQ-40) decline. Tolerability was evaluated analysing adverse events (AEs) causing withdrawal. The randomisation sequence was computer-generated by blocks, stratified by centre, disease severity (ALSFRS-R cut-off score of 33) and onset (spinal or bulbar). The main outcome analysis was performed in all randomised patients and by intention-to-treat for the entire population and patients stratified by severity and onset. The study is registered, EudraCT 2009-016066-91. RESULTS We randomly assigned 208 patients, of whom 5 (1 rhEPO and 4 placebo) withdrew consent and 3 (placebo) became ineligible (retinal thrombosis, respiratory insufficiency, SOD1 mutation) before receiving treatment; 103 receiving rhEPO and 97 placebo were eligible for analysis. At 12 months, the annualised rate of death (rhEPO 0.11, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.20; placebo: 0.08, CI 0.04 to 0.17), tracheotomy or >23 h NIV (rhEPO 0.16, CI 0.10 to 0.27; placebo 0.18, CI 0.11 to 0.30) did not differ between groups, also after stratification by onset and ALSFRS-R at baseline. Withdrawal due to AE was 16.5% in rhEPO and 8.3% in placebo. No differences were found for secondary outcomes. CONCLUSIONS RhEPO 40,000 IU fortnightly did not change the course of ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Lauria
- Neuromuscular Disease, IRCCS Foundation, "Carlo Besta" Neurological Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Eleonora Dalla Bella
- Neuromuscular Disease, IRCCS Foundation, "Carlo Besta" Neurological Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanni Antonini
- NESMOS Department, Neuromuscular Disease Unit, Sant'Andrea Hospital and University of Rome "Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Claudia Caponnetto
- Departments of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophtalmology, Genetics, Mother and Child Disease, IRCCS University Hospital San Martino IST, Genova, Italy
| | - Adriano Chiò
- Department of Neurosciences, ALS Centre, "Rita Levi Montalcini" Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Città della Salute e della Scienza, Turin, Italy
| | - Massimo Corbo
- NEMO Clinical Centre, Milan, Italy Department of Neurorehabilitaton, Casa Cura Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberto Eleopra
- Neurology Unit, S. Maria della Misericordia University Hospital, Udine, Italy
| | - Raffaella Fazio
- Department of Neurology, IRCCS "San Raffaele" Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Fabio Giannini
- Department of Medical and Surgery Sciences and Neurosciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Jessica Mandrioli
- Department of Neurosciences, S. Agostino-Estense Hospital, Modena, Italy
| | - Letizia Mazzini
- ALS Centre, Neurologic Clinic, Maggiore della Carità University Hospital, Novara, Italy
| | | | | | - Vladimiro Pietrini
- Department of Neurosciences, Neurology Unit, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | | | - Romana Rizzi
- Neurology Unit, Department of Neuro-Motor Diseases, IRCCS Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | | | - Gabriele Siciliano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Neurology Unit, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Gianni Sorarù
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Paolo Volanti
- Intensive Neurorehabilitation Unit, IRCCS "Salvatore Maugeri" Foundation, Mistretta, Italy
| | - Irene Tramacere
- Neuroepidemiology Units, IRCCS Foundation, "Carlo Besta" Neurological Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Graziella Filippini
- Neuroepidemiology Units, IRCCS Foundation, "Carlo Besta" Neurological Institute, Milan, Italy
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Eoli M, Cuccarini V, Paterra R, Farinotti M, Cuppini L, Erbetta A, DI Meco F, Filippini G, Finocchiaro G, Bruzzone MG. Can Diffusion and Perfusion Weighted Imaging predict 1p/19q codeled lower grade gliomas? J Clin Oncol 2015. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2015.33.15_suppl.2056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Marica Eoli
- Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Rosina Paterra
- Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Lucia Cuppini
- Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
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Pedotti R, Losappio L, Farinotti M, Preziosi D, Tramacere I, Stafylaraki C, Mascheri A, Filippini G, Pastorello E. Accuracy of a questionnaire for identifying respiratory allergies in epidemiological studies. Rhinology 2015. [DOI: 10.4193/rhin14.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Pedotti R, Losappio L, Farinotti M, Preziosi D, Tramacere I, Stafylaraki C, Mascheri A, Filippini G, Pastorello EA. Accuracy of a questionnaire for identifying respiratory allergies in epidemiological studies. Rhinology 2015; 53:49-53. [DOI: 10.4193/rhino14.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Background: The assessment of allergic asthma (AA) and allergic rhinitis (AR) in epidemiological studies is often challenging. We performed a cross-sectional study to test the accuracy of a Questionnaire aimed at Identifying subjects with Respiratory Allergy (QIRA) in a simple and fast way. Methods: One hundred-thirty subjects, 18-76 years of age, admitted consecutively at the Allergy Center of the Niguarda Ca` Granda Hospital of Milan were included. The questionnaire (index test) investigated the presence of AA and AR with seven questions enquiring history of symptoms, diagnosis made by a doctor, allergy tests performed, and treatments. After completing the questionnaire, all subjects were subsequently diagnosed by an allergist (reference standard). Results: The accuracy of the questionnaire for the diagnosis of AA and AR was high (sensitivity 94.7% [95% confidence interval CI: 74.0-99.9] and specificity 99.1% [95% CI 95.1-100.0] for AA; sensitivity 82.8% [95% CI 71.3-91.1] and specificity 98.5% [95% CI 91.8-100.0] for AR). Conclusion: The questionnaire significantly distinguished subjects with respiratory allergy from those without. The QIRA represents a valid and accurate tool for classifying subjects as having or not AA and/or AR in epidemiological studies.
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Staging of disease severity is useful for prognosis, decision-making and resource planning. However, no commonly used, validated staging system exists for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Our purpose was to develop an ALS staging system (ALS Milano-Torino Staging) that captures the observed progressive loss of independence and function. METHODS Clinical milestones in ALS progression were defined by loss of independence in four key domains on the ALS Functional Rating Scale (ALSFRS): swallowing, walking/self-care, communicating and breathing. Stages were defined as follows: stage 0, functional involvement but no loss of independence on any domain; stages 1-4, number of domains in which independence was lost; and stage 5, death. Staging criteria were applied to patients enrolled in a Quality of Care in ALS (QOC) study; endpoints included function (ALSFRS), quality of life (QOL; Short Form-36) and health service costs. Between-stage transition probabilities were assessed in the QOC study and in a second clinical study of lithium carbonate in ALS. RESULTS 70/118 (59.3%) participants in the QOC study progressed to higher stages of disease at 12 months compared with their baseline stage. Functional (ALSFRS) and QOL measures were inversely related to disease stage. Health service costs were directly related to increasing disease stages from 0 to 4 (p<0.001). Probabilities for transitioning from a given stage at baseline in both studies were usually greatest for the next highest stage. CONCLUSIONS The proposed ALS Milano-Torino Staging system correlates well with assessments of function, QOL and health service costs. Further studies are warranted to validate this system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriano Chiò
- Rita Levi Montalcini Department of Neuroscience, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Edward R Hammond
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Gabriele Mora
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Fondazione Salvatore Maugeri, IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Virginio Bonito
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Ospedale Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Graziella Filippini
- Unit of Neuroepidemiology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
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Nava F, Ghilotti F, Maggi L, Hatemi G, Del Bianco A, Merlo C, Filippini G, Tramacere I. Biologics, colchicine, corticosteroids, immunosuppressants and interferon-alpha for Neuro-Behçet's Syndrome. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2014; 2014:CD010729. [PMID: 25521793 PMCID: PMC10594584 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd010729.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuro-Behçet Syndrome (NBS) is a severe chronic inflammatory vascular disease involving the Central Nervous System (CNS), and it is an invalidating condition with disability and a huge impact on quality of life. Recommendations on treatments for NBS include the use of disease-modifying therapies in general, although they are not supported by a systematic review of the evidence. OBJECTIVES To assess the benefit and harms of available treatments for NBS, including biologics, colchicine, corticosteroids, immunosuppressants and interferon-alpha. SEARCH METHODS We searched the following databases up to 30 September 2014: Trials Specialised Register of The Cochrane Multiple Sclerosis and Rare Diseases of the Central Nervous System Group, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, LILACS, ORPHANET, Clinicaltrials.gov and World Health Organization (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry Portal. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised controlled trials (RCTs), controlled clinical trials (CCTs), prospective and retrospective controlled cohort studies were eligible to assess the benefit. Patients over 13 years of age with a diagnosis of NBS. For assessment of harms, open-label extension (OLE), case-control studies, population-based registries, case-series and case-reports were additionally planned to be evaluated. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Selection of studies, data extraction and assessment of risk of bias were planned to be carried out independently by two review authors. Standard methodological procedures expected by The Cochrane Collaboration were followed. We planned to perform standard pair-wise meta-analyses for RCTs, and meta-analyses based on the adjusted estimates using the inverse-variance weighted average method for non-randomised studies (NRSs). We planned to present the main results of the review in a 'Summary of Findings' table using the GRADE approach. MAIN RESULTS No RCTs, CCTs or controlled cohort studies on the benefit of the treatments for NBS met the inclusion criteria of the review. Only one potentially eligible study was identified, but it did not report sufficient details on the patient characteristics. The author of this study did not provide additional data on request, and therefore it was excluded. Hence, no studies were included in the present review. Since no studies were included in the assessment of benefit, no further search was performed in order to collect data on harms. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS There is no evidence to support or refute the benefit of biologics, colchicine, corticosteroids, immunosuppressants and interferon-alpha for the treatment of patients with NBS. Thus, well-designed multicentre RCTs are needed in order to inform and guide clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Nava
- University of Milano‐BicoccaFaculty of Statistical Sciencevia Bicocca degli Arcimboldi 8MilanItaly20126
| | - Francesca Ghilotti
- University of Milano‐BicoccaFaculty of Statistical Sciencevia Bicocca degli Arcimboldi 8MilanItaly20126
| | - Lorenzo Maggi
- Fondazione I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Neurologico Carlo BestaNeurology IV‐ Neuro‐Immunology and Neuromuscular DiseasesVia Celoria, 11MilanoItaly20133
| | - Gulen Hatemi
- Istanbul University, Cerrahpasa Medical SchoolDepartment of Internal Medicine, Division of RheumatologyCerrahpasa Tip Fakultesi, AksarayIstanbulTurkey34365
| | | | - Chiara Merlo
- Fondazione MarchiOspedale Di Circolo Del PonteVia Del Ponte, 19VareseVareseItaly21040
| | - Graziella Filippini
- Fondazione I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Neurologico Carlo BestaScientific Directionvia Celoria, 11MilanoItaly20133
| | - Irene Tramacere
- Fondazione I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Neurologico Carlo BestaNeuroepidemiology UnitVia Giovanni Celoria, 11MilanoItaly20133
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Tramacere I, Del Giovane C, Salanti G, D'Amico R, Pacchetti I, Filippini G. Immunomodulators and immunosuppressants for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: a network meta-analysis. THE COCHRANE DATABASE OF SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS 2014. [DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd011381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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